Hannya-ji

Hannya-ji is a Buddhist temple in Nara featuring a 13-tier stone pagoda at its center that rises about 12.6 meters (41 feet). The structure was crafted by a Chinese stonemason during the Kamakura period and remains a focal point of the grounds.

The temple was founded in 629 by a Korean monk named Huigan and later served as a protective site for the northeast sector of Heijo-kyo under Emperor Shomu. This early establishment shows how Buddhism took root in Japan through foreign monks.

The temple holds significance as a place where people can see different periods of Buddhist sculpture side by side. These works show how religious art evolved over time, and visitors can experience this layering of artistic traditions when walking through the grounds.

The temple grounds are easy to walk around with clear pathways connecting the main structures. Comfortable shoes are recommended since you will be moving between several buildings and the pagoda on foot.

Between late September and October, around 150,000 cosmos flowers bloom on the grounds, earning the site the nickname Temple of Cosmos. This seasonal display of pink and red blooms draws many visitors who come to experience the flower-covered landscape.