Kairyūō-ji, Buddhist temple with miniature pagoda in Nara, Japan
Kairyūō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Nara housing one of Japan's smallest five-story pagodas. The site contains a wooden west hall still standing today and archaeological traces of an east hall, connected by a curved pathway that forms the temple's core layout.
Founded in 731, the temple was built by Buddhist monk Genbo on a site of aristocratic heritage. Imperial support from Empress Komyo elevated it as a significant religious center during the Nara period.
The name refers to a golden dragon, reflecting the spiritual essence believed to inhabit this place. Walking through the grounds, you can sense how the simple design and open spaces guide visitors toward contemplation.
The site is walkable and located in a quiet part of Nara, making it easy to explore at a relaxed pace. Plan extra time to wander the surrounding streets, which follow an unusual curved layout that rewards further exploration.
The pagoda here stands out for being remarkably compact, ranking among Japan's tiniest of its kind. This small scale allowed the temple to function as a meaningful religious space despite spatial constraints.
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