Kōnin-ji, Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan.
Kōnin-ji is a Buddhist temple in Nara featuring multiple halls that house Buddhist statues and religious artworks set within traditional Japanese gardens and pathways. The grounds blend structures from different periods with carefully designed green spaces that define the character of the site.
The temple was founded around 900 during Japan's Heian period, marking a key moment in how Buddhism became established across the country. Its founding reflects how religious institutions were built during that era to spread spiritual teachings throughout society.
The temple remains woven into the daily life of the community, serving as a place where Buddhist practitioners carry out their faith in ways you can witness during a visit. The regular ceremonies help keep traditional religious practices visible and active rather than confined to history books.
The temple is accessible by public transportation from nearby stations, with guided tours available to explore the buildings and gardens. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time to move at a relaxed pace through the grounds.
The temple is part of the 88 Sacred Sites of Yamato, a collection of religious locations scattered across northern Nara Prefecture. This pilgrimage route connects multiple temples together, creating a larger spiritual landscape for visitors to explore.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
