Shomyo-ji

Shomyo-ji is a Buddhist temple in Nara featuring a main hall called Hondo and multiple temple buildings, including pagodas and worship halls surrounded by gardens. The layout spreads across the grounds with various structures and spaces that reflect traditional temple design.

The temple was founded in 1265 by a scholar monk from Kofuku-ji Temple and initially served as a branch temple and training center. Its establishment occurred during a period of Buddhist reform movements in Japan.

The temple houses carved wooden statues of Amida Nyorai, Shaka Nyorai, and Yakushi Nyorai from the late Heian period, still visible in its halls today. These sculptures reflect the artistic traditions visitors can observe when walking through the worship spaces.

The temple is located in central Nara and can be reached on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station by walking through the city streets. A weekday visit works best when fewer visitors are present at the site.

The grounds include Dokuro-an Hermitage, a three-tatami mat space built between 1804 and 1818. This tiny room is notable because Juko Murata, the founder of wabi-cha tea practice, became a priest there.

Location: Nara

Inception: 1265

Address: 奈良県奈良市菖蒲池町7

GPS coordinates: 34.68708,135.82469

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:45