HOME Back

Use the

Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

Akishinodera Temple 秋篠寺

Akishino-dera Temple Akishino-dera Temple
Akishino-dera Temple Akishino-dera Temple

A peaceful garden with historically significant statues

Akishinodera Temple, built around 780 by the Emperor Konin and rebuilt following a fire in the 12th century, is most famous for its serene moss garden.

Don't Miss

  • The noteworthy moss garden
  • The temple main hall's traditional Wayo architecture
  • The 25 statues of religious importance, including a special patron of the arts

How to Get There

Akishinodera Temple can be reached by bus from Yamato-Saidaiji Station on the Kintetsu Nara line, the Kintetsu Kyoto line and the Kintetsu Kashihara line. The closest bus stop to Akishinodera Temple is Akishinodera Temple. The temple is also around a 20-minute walk from Yamato-Saidaiji Station.

Natural sights

The temple is best known for its natural setting, highlighted by the verdant moss garden. Working in tandem with the wooded landscape, the garden accentuates its surroundings.

The main hall

The main hall, known as the Hondo, is considered one of the masterpieces of the Wayo style of architecture. This style gives the hall its distinctive look, featuring a sloped roof and an earthen floor.

The combination of the Wayo architecture and the lush trees nearby make the temple particularly photogenic.

A Buddhist statue that took almost 500 years to complete

Of the 25 statues at Akishinodera, the most noteworthy is of Gigeiten, the patron god of the arts. Many aspiring artists visit the statue to receive a blessing.

The head of the Gigeiten statue dates back to the 700s, while its body was constructed around the 13th century. Even though the two parts were made approximately 500 years apart, they exist in perfect aesthetic harmony. Because of its age and artistic beauty, the statue is designated one of Japan's Important Cultural Properties.



* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

Recommended for You

Saidaiji Temple
Saidaiji Temple
Heijo Palace
Heijo Palace

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages