Taima-dera, Buddhist temple in Katsuragi, Nara Prefecture, Japan.
Description
Taima-dera is a Buddhist temple in Katsuragi, Nara Prefecture, consisting of three main buildings: the Mandala Hall, the Kondō Hall, and the Kōdō Hall. Inside each of these spaces stand ancient Buddha figures made of wood, clay, and bronze that show different periods of Japanese sculpture.
History
Prince Maroko founded the site in 612, and his grandson moved it to its current location in 681. The two pagodas date from 710 and are among the oldest wooden structures still standing in their original form.
Culture
The name connects with Princess Chūjō, who according to tradition wove a mandala here in the eighth century that is now kept behind closed doors at night. Monks and pilgrims come regularly to pray before this textile image depicting the Pure Land.
Practical
The compound lies roughly one kilometer west of Taimadera Station on the Kintetsu Line and can be reached on foot in a few minutes. The path leads through a small village that is especially quiet in the morning and early afternoon.
Did you know?
A clay figure of Maitreya Buddha from 681 is the oldest surviving clay sculpture of its kind in Japan. The two pagodas are also the only twin towers from the Nara period still standing today.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Katsuragi).
Eifuku-ji
5 km
Donzurubō
4.3 km
智辯学園奈良カレッジ小学部・中学部・高等部
5.1 km
Eifukuji Kita Kofun
5.1 km
Osaka Prefectural Chikatsu Asuka Museum
4.9 km
Yamada Takatsuka Kofun
4.2 km
Kōki-ji
3.3 km
Iwazononiimasu takumushitama-jinja
4.5 kmTsukiyama Kofun
3.5 km
Sekkoji
802 mShin-yama Kofun
4.2 km
Katsuragi City Sumo Museum “Kehayaza”
786 m
Saihō-in
5.1 km
Katsuraki Shitori ni Imasu Ame no Ha Ikazuchi no Mikoto Shrine
1.7 km
Kasuga Mukaiyama Kofun
4.6 km
Yamada Uenoyama Kofun
3.7 km
Iwafune Daijinja
3.6 km
Senryūji
4.3 km
Chikatsu Asuka Fudoki-No-Oka Historical Park
4.9 km
Ichisuka Kofun Cluster
4.7 km
Hase-hon-ji
4.4 km
The Museum, History of Katsuragi
5.5 km
Takenouchi Kaidō Historical Museum
3.5 km
無量寺
3.4 km
West Pagoda, Taimadera
73 m
East Pagoda, Taimadera
142 m
Main Hall, Taimadera
4 m
Futagozuka Kofun
4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes