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Horyuji Temple
Buddhist Image Pagoda Base Clay Sculptures Category Other
奈良県生駒郡斑鳩町法隆寺山内1-1
Visiting Status Regular viewing available
SolemnityDepthMystery
The National Treasure clay sculpture groups known as the Pagoda Base Sculptures are arranged around the central pillar on the first story of Horyuji Temple's Five-Story Pagoda. Created in 711 during the Nara period, they present four Buddhist narratives in three-dimensional clay settings resembling caves. The east side shows the dialogue between Vimalakirti and Manjusri, the north side the Buddha's nirvana, the west side the distribution of the Buddha's relics, and the south side Maitreya preaching after enlightenment. Preserved inside Japan's oldest five-story pagoda, they are an exceptionally important surviving example of early Nara-period Buddhist group sculpture and can be seen on the regular western-precinct route.
Hannyaji Temple
Buddhist Image Eight-Knotted Manjusri Riding a Lion Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県奈良市般若寺町221
Visiting Status Regular viewing available
NobilityRefinementDepth
The Important Cultural Property Eight-Knotted Manjusri riding a lion is enshrined as the principal image of Hannyaji Temple's Main Hall. It was created in 1324 after the monk Monkan requested the image for the fulfillment of Emperor Go-Daigo's wishes, and was carved by the Nara Buddhist sculptors Koshun, Kosei, and their workshop. Manjusri wears the hair in eight topknots, holds a sword in the right hand and a lotus bearing a scripture in the left, and sits on the back of a lion. Though only about 45 cm high, the image is finely carved and is regarded as an important late-Kamakura example of Manjusri sculpture by Nara masters. It can normally be viewed in the Main Hall.
Kikoji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
奈良県奈良市菅原町508
Visiting Status Regular viewing available
GentlenessPeacefulnessRefinement
The Important Cultural Property seated Amida Nyorai is enshrined as the principal image of Kikoji Temple's Main Hall. Dating to the late Heian period, this large wooden statue stands about 233 cm high. Its calm expression and stable proportions, created with joined-block construction, show characteristics of the Jocho style, and it is flanked by Kannon and Seishi Bosatsu. Seated at the center of the hall traditionally called the “Model Great Buddha Hall,” said to have served as a prototype for Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall, the image symbolizes this temple closely associated with Gyoki. Restoration of the statue, pedestal, and halo was completed in 2025. It can now be viewed regularly in the Main Hall from 9:00 to 16:00, with admission until 15:45.
Futaiji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Sho Kannon Bosatsu (Narihira Kannon) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県奈良市法蓮町517
Visiting Status Regular viewing available
GentlenessRefinementNobility
The Important Cultural Property standing Sho Kannon Bosatsu is enshrined as the principal image of Futaiji Temple's Main Hall. This polychrome single-block wooden statue dates to the Heian period and, according to temple tradition, was carved by the poet Ariwara no Narihira himself, giving it the popular name “Narihira Kannon.” It is especially known for the long bands descending from its crown, which resemble large ribbons, together with a gentle expression and graceful stance. Once kept hidden for long periods, the image is now on permanent view in the Main Hall from 9:00 to 17:00, with admission until around 16:50.
Jurin-in Temple
Buddhist Image Stone Buddhist Niche (Jizo Bosatsu, Shaka Nyorai, Maitreya Bosatsu) Category Other
奈良県奈良市十輪院町27
Visiting Status Regular viewing available
MysteryDepthStillness
The Important Cultural Property stone Buddhist niche is enshrined in the Main Hall of Jurin-in Temple. Carved from granite in the form of a stone shrine, it contains relief images centered on a standing Jizo Bosatsu, together with standing Shaka Nyorai, Maitreya Bosatsu, and numerous other Buddhist figures. This exceptionally rare sculptural ensemble reflects both the doctrinal traditions of Nara Buddhism and elements of popular devotion, while also preserving continental carving techniques. The Main Hall itself is a National Treasure, and the stone niche can normally be viewed from 10:00 to 16:30, except on scheduled closing days such as Mondays.
Renjoji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing White Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
奈良県奈良市西紀寺町45
Visiting Status Hidden image (special opening every May 1–31)
MysteryGentlenessNobility
The principal image of Renjoji Temple's Main Hall is the Nara Prefecture-designated standing White Amida Nyorai. Dating to the Kamakura period, this highly unusual wooden image is carved in a nude form and dressed in actual Buddhist robes, giving rise to the popular name “Naked Amida.” Temple tradition says the figure was modeled on Empress Komyo in female form, and web-like membranes known as manmo are represented between the fingers. It was once unveiled only when its hakama garment was replaced every fifty years, but it is now specially opened every May; in 2026 it was displayed from May 1 to 31.
Kichidenji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Amida Nyorai (Monumental Amida) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
奈良県生駒郡斑鳩町小吉田1-1-23
Visiting Status Regular viewing available
DignityPeacefulnessRefinement
The Important Cultural Property seated Amida Nyorai is enshrined as the principal image of Kichidenji Temple. Dating to the late Heian period, this monumental Buddha is traditionally said to have been carved by the monk Genshin from a giant chestnut tree in the temple grounds. Known locally as the “Great Buddha of Yamato,” it is one of the largest seated Amida images in Nara Prefecture. A large halo filled with a thousand small Buddha images rises behind its calm and refined face. For fire and disaster protection, the statue is now housed in a repository connected to the Main Hall and can normally be viewed from 9:00 to 16:00.
Darumaji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Wooden Bodhidharma Category Other
奈良県北葛城郡王寺町本町2丁目1-40
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (10:00–15:00)
DignityDepthStillness
The Important Cultural Property seated wooden Bodhidharma is enshrined as the principal image of Darumaji Temple's Main Hall. It was created in 1430 during the Muromachi period by order of Ashikaga Yoshinori, the sixth shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, and its coloring is traditionally attributed to the painter-monk Shubun. The robe is painted a vivid vermilion, while the beard and chest hair are rendered with remarkably fine brushwork, giving the Zen patriarch a powerful presence. The statue is normally open to visitors in the Main Hall from 10:00 to 15:00 without advance reservation.
Obitokedera Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Jizo Bosatsu in Half-Lotus Pose (Obitoke Koyasu Jizo) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県奈良市今市町734
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (guided between prayer services; may be unavailable when crowded)
GentlenessPeacefulnessWarmth
The Important Cultural Property seated Jizo Bosatsu in a half-lotus pose is enshrined as the principal image of Obitokedera Temple's Main Hall. The 182.6 cm statue is made with joined-block construction and polychrome decoration. It holds a wish-fulfilling jewel in the left hand and a staff in the right, with the left leg lowered onto a rock pedestal. Because the upper edge of the garment and tying cords are shown across the abdomen, it is known as the “Obi Jizo” and has long been venerated for safe childbirth and prayers for children. After checking in at reception, visitors are normally guided into the inner area of the Main Hall between prayer services from 9:00 to 16:00.
Fukuchiin Temple
Buddhist Image Jizo Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県奈良市福智院町46
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–16:00; irregular closing days)
DignityGentlenessSolemnity
The Important Cultural Property seated wooden Jizo Bosatsu is enshrined as the principal image of Fukuchiin Temple's Main Hall. This monumental Kamakura-period image stands about 2.73 meters high, with an overall height of about 6.6 meters including its pedestal, and is known as the “Great Jizo Buddha.” Its halo contains 560 small manifestations of Jizo; together with the principal image and the Six Jizo figures, the composition represents 567 Jizo images in all. It is one of the major images associated with Jizo devotion in Nara and can normally be viewed in the Main Hall.
Shoryakuji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Yakushi Nyorai in European-Style Pose Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
奈良県奈良市菩提山町157
Visiting Status Hidden image (opened Apr 18–May 8, Nov 3–first Sunday of Dec, and Dec 22 each year)
RefinementNobilityMystery
The Important Cultural Property Yakushi Nyorai in a seated-with-legs-down pose is the principal image of Shoryakuji Temple. This gilt-bronze Buddha dates to the Hakuho period and stands 38 cm high. It is an exceptionally rare image shown seated on a platform with both feet resting on split lotus blossoms, combining a taut expression with a strong presence despite its small size. Normally hidden, it is specially displayed in Ruriden Hall from April 18 to May 8, in the Main Hall from November 3 to the first Sunday of December, and again on December 22 during the winter-solstice observance.
Mirokuji Temple
Buddhist Image Miroku Buddha Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県大和高田市土庫2丁目8-13
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (generally 9:00–16:00; telephone booking)
DignityDepthStillness
The Important Cultural Property seated wooden Maitreya Buddha is enshrined as the principal image of Mirokuji Temple's Main Hall. Dating to around the 10th–11th century of the Heian period, the statue is 147.3 cm high. Nearly the entire figure, including both legs, was carved from a single massive piece of broadleaf wood thought to be cherry, making it an exceptionally rare large-scale single-block sculpture. Its substantial body and calm expression make it one of the notable surviving examples of Heian-period Buddhist sculpture in Nara. Viewing is generally available from 9:00 to 16:00, but advance telephone reservation is required to see the Maitreya image.
Fuku-in Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Fukukensaku Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県奈良市高畑町1365
Visiting Status Normally closed to individual visitors (special viewing October 17, 2026; autumn viewing follows the Shosoin Exhibition schedule)
MysteryDignityDepth
The Important Cultural Property seated Fukukensaku Kannon Bosatsu is enshrined as the principal image of Fuku-in Temple's Main Hall. Dating to the Kamakura period, the figure has one face, three eyes, and eight arms; the front hands are joined in prayer while other hands hold attributes including a lasso, fly whisk, lotus, and staff. Wearing a deerskin garment, the image was venerated by the Fujiwara clan as a manifestation of Takemikazuchi, the first deity of Kasuga. Together with the images at Todaiji's Hokkedo and Kofukuji's Nanendo, it is known as one of the “Three Fukukensaku Kannon” of Nara. Individual visitors may enter the Main Hall only during special spring and autumn openings; in 2026 a special viewing is held on October 17, with the autumn opening scheduled in line with the Shosoin Exhibition.
Gokoin Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Goko Shiyui Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
奈良県奈良市北御門町24
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (9:00–15:00; special openings in February and August)
MysteryDepthWarmth
The Important Cultural Property seated Goko Shiyui Amida Nyorai is enshrined as the principal image of Gokoin Temple's Main Hall. Dating to the 12th–13th century of the Kamakura period, this wooden lacquer-gilt statue stands 124.2 cm high. It represents Amida after contemplating for the unimaginably long span of five kalpas in order to save all beings, with the dramatically enlarged hair symbolizing the passage of that vast time. Tradition connects the unusual form with the monk Chogen and imagery brought from Song China. It is one of the most distinctive representations of Amida in Japan. Regular viewing requires advance reservation from 9:00 to 15:00, with additional special-opening periods in February and August.
Yatadera Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Jizo Bosatsu (Yata-style Jizo) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県大和郡山市矢田町3506
Visiting Status Normally closed to the public (viewable during the June special opening; in 2026, June 1–30)
WarmthPeacefulnessDepth
The Important Cultural Property standing wooden Jizo Bosatsu is enshrined as the principal image of Yatadera Temple's Main Hall. Dating to the early Heian period, traditionally associated with the Jogan era, it has long been affectionately known as the “Jizo of Yata.” Unlike the usual form of Jizo, the figure does not hold a staff in the right hand; instead, the thumb and index finger form a distinctive circular gesture, giving rise to the name “Yata-style Jizo.” As a central image of Jizo devotion, its unusual iconography influenced later representations. It is normally closed to the public; in 2026 it was specially displayed in the inner Main Hall from June 1 to 30.
Horinji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
奈良県生駒郡斑鳩町三井1570
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (8:00–17:00 Mar–Nov; 8:00–16:30 Dec–Feb)
RefinementDignityDepth
The Important Cultural Property seated Yakushi Nyorai is enshrined as the principal image in Horinji Temple's Lecture Hall, which also serves as a repository. Dating to the Asuka period, the statue is carved from a single block of camphor wood, retains polychrome decoration, and stands 110.6 cm high. It is regarded as the only and largest surviving wooden Tathagata image from the Asuka period, making it exceptionally important. Unlike later Yakushi images, it does not hold a medicine jar. Its elongated face and linear, planar body preserve traits of the Tori style while also showing influence from Chinese Northern Qi and Northern Zhou sculpture. It can now be viewed regularly in the Lecture Hall.
Hokiji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県生駒郡斑鳩町岡本1873
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (8:30–17:00 Feb 22–Nov 3; 8:30–16:30 Nov 4–Feb 21)
RefinementStillnessDepth
The Important Cultural Property standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu is enshrined in the storehouse of Hokiji Temple. Dating to around the latter half of the 10th century in the Heian period, the head and main body are carved from a single piece of cedar. The figure is known as a representative example of a tachikibutsu, a Buddha image carved from a living or rooted tree, and originally stood on a rock-shaped base formed from the tree's natural roots. It was formerly the principal image of the Lecture Hall but was moved to the storehouse in 1980 for preservation. It can now be viewed during regular temple hours.
Hokkeji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Vimalakirti Category Other
奈良県奈良市法華寺町882
Visiting Status Open year-round (9:00–16:30)
DepthStillnessNobility
The National Treasure dry-lacquer seated Vimalakirti is enshrined in Hokkeji Temple's Main Hall. Dating to the Nara period, the sculpture represents Vimalakirti, the renowned lay Buddhist figure of the Vimalakirti Sutra. It is a rare and important example of Buddhist portrait sculpture and one of Hokkeji's significant surviving Nara-period images. Unlike the temple's principal Eleven-Faced Kannon, which is shown only during special openings, the Vimalakirti image is on view year-round from 9:00 to 16:30.
Byakugoji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
奈良県奈良市白毫寺町392
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–17:00)
PeacefulnessRefinementDepth
The Important Cultural Property seated wooden Amida Nyorai is the principal image of Byakugoji Temple. Dating to the Heian period, it is now enshrined in the temple's Treasure Hall. Byakugoji preserves a notable group of Important Cultural Property Buddhist sculptures, including a standing Jizo Bosatsu, a seated Eison, an Enma-o, and attendant figures, with this Amida image at the center of the group. It can be viewed in the Treasure Hall during the temple's regular hours from 9:00 to 17:00.
Chokyuji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon (Principal Image) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県生駒市上町4446
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (Main Hall interior viewing 9:00–16:00)
RefinementStillnessDepth
The Important Cultural Property standing wooden Eleven-Faced Kannon is enshrined as the principal image of Chokyuji Temple's Main Hall. Dating to the late Heian period, the statue is 116.2 cm high. Carved from a single block of cypress and finished with polychrome and cut-gold decoration, it retains archaic features in its distinctive upturned eyes and deep-set body while maintaining an overall calm presence. It is Chokyuji's principal Buddhist image and is enshrined inside the National Treasure Main Hall. Advance reservation is required to view the interior of the Main Hall, with viewing hours from 9:00 to 16:00.