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Horyuji Temple
Buddhist Image Jizo Bosatsu Statue Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県生駒郡斑鳩町法隆寺山内1-1
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (Feb 22–Nov 3, 8:00–17:00; Nov 4–Feb 21, 8:00–16:30; last admission 30 minutes before closing)
DignityDepthStillness
The National Treasure wooden Jizo Bosatsu at Horyuji Temple is displayed in the Daihozoin Gallery. Dating to the 9th century in the Heian period, the figure was carved from a single block of wood from the head down through the lotus-seat core, without hollowing, giving it a powerful sense of mass. It is said to have been transferred to Horyuji in the early Meiji period from Omiwadera, a former Buddhist temple attached to Omiwa Shrine, during the separation of Shinto and Buddhism. The sharp robe folds and dignified expression are striking; although identified as Jizo Bosatsu, a theory also holds that it may originally have been a deity image. It can be viewed during regular admission to the Daihozoin.
Horyuji Temple
Buddhist Image Amida Triad from the Tachibana Lady's Personal Shrine Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
奈良県生駒郡斑鳩町法隆寺山内1-1
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (Feb 22–Nov 3, 8:00–17:00; Nov 4–Feb 21, 8:00–16:30; last admission 30 minutes before closing)
PurityRefinementMystery
The National Treasure Amida Triad from the shrine traditionally associated with Lady Tachibana is displayed in Horyuji Temple's Daihozoin Gallery. Dating to the Hakuho period, the gilt-bronze ensemble is traditionally said to have been the personal devotional image of Tachibana no Michiyo, mother of Empress Komyo. Three lotus stems rise in spirals from a gilded basin representing a lotus pond, supporting the central Amida Nyorai and the attendant Kannon and Seishi Bosatsu. Together with its delicate halo and rear screen, the shrine condenses an image of the Pure Land into an exceptionally refined small-scale composition and is one of the representative masterpieces of Hakuho-period Buddhist art. It can be viewed during regular admission to the Daihozoin.
Kofukuji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Four Heavenly Kings Category Tenbu (Deva)
奈良県奈良市登大路町48
Visiting Status Hidden images (special opening only on October 17 each year)
PowerDignityTense Presence
The National Treasure wooden Four Heavenly Kings in Kofukuji Temple's South Octagonal Hall guard the principal image, Fukukensaku Kannon. Created in the Kamakura period in joined-block construction with polychromy, the four figures measure 204.0 cm for Jikokuten, 202.2 cm for Zochoten, 204.5 cm for Komokuten, and 198.0 cm for Tamonten. Each figure differs in posture and helmet design while the group maintains a strong overall unity, with older stylistic elements preserved throughout. Normally closed to the public, the statues can be viewed only during the annual opening of the South Octagonal Hall on October 17.
Hasedera Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Uho Doji Category Other
奈良県桜井市初瀬731-1
Visiting Status Regular viewing available in the Main Hall (left attendant of the principal Kannon; temple hours: Apr–Sep 8:30–17:00, Oct–Nov and Mar 9:00–17:00, Dec–Feb 9:00–16:30)
NobilityMysteryRefinement
The Important Cultural Property standing wooden Uho Doji is enshrined in Hasedera Temple's Main Hall as the attendant to the viewer's left of the principal Eleven-Faced Kannon. Measuring 178.1 cm in total height, it was created in 1537–1538 by the master sculptor Unshu and his workshop together with the current principal image. Uho Doji appears as a noble youth wearing courtly robes and a ceremonial headpiece, holding a staff in the right hand and a wish-granting jewel in the left. One of the Eight Child Acolytes who protect Mt. Hatsuse and the principal Kannon, Uho Doji is also venerated as a manifestation of Amaterasu Omikami, vividly preserving Hasedera's tradition of syncretic Buddhist and Shinto belief. The statue can normally be viewed in the Main Hall.
Hasedera Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Nanda Dragon King Category Tenbu (Deva)
奈良県桜井市初瀬731-1
Visiting Status Regular viewing available in the Main Hall (right attendant of the principal Kannon; temple hours: Apr–Sep 8:30–17:00, Oct–Nov and Mar 9:00–17:00, Dec–Feb 9:00–16:30)
DignityMysteryDepth
The Important Cultural Property standing wooden Nanda Dragon King is enshrined in Hasedera Temple's Main Hall as the attendant to the viewer's right of the principal Eleven-Faced Kannon. Measuring 213.0 cm in total height, it was created in 1316 by the master Buddhist sculptor Shunkei and his workshop. The aged figure wears Chinese-style robes and a Tang-style crown, with a dragon rising above the head. Nanda is one of the Eight Dragon Kings who protect Mt. Hatsuse and the principal Kannon, and the image has also been venerated as Kasuga Myojin. It survived the fires of 1494 and 1536, and numerous consecration objects were found inside the statue. It can normally be viewed in the Main Hall.
Todaiji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Statue of Priest Kokei Category Other
奈良県奈良市雑司町406-1
Visiting Status Hidden image (special opening every October 5 after the Tegai-e ceremony, approximately 10:00–16:00)
DepthStillnessDignity
The Important Cultural Property wooden seated statue of Priest Kokei is enshrined in Kokei Hall within Todaiji Temple's Kanjin-sho. Dating to the Edo period, the figure measures 69.7 cm high. Kokei (1648–1705) devoted his life to restoring Todaiji's Great Buddha and Great Buddha Hall and is regarded at the temple as its second great restorer after Chogen. The portrait preserves the image of the monk who led this immense reconstruction effort. Normally closed to the public, it is specially opened every October 5 after the Tegai-e ceremony, from around 10:00 to 16:00.
Daianji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Fukukensaku Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県奈良市大安寺2-18-1
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–17:00; last admission 16:00)
DignityDepthStillness
The Important Cultural Property standing wooden Fukukensaku Kannon is displayed in Daianji Temple's San'yo-den Treasure Hall. Carved from a single block of wood in the Nara period, it stands 189.9 cm high. The figure wears a tall topknot and has a broad rounded face with powerful compassionate eyes and a tightly set mouth. Although relatively plain, without elaborate chest ornaments or a belt, its massive body conveys a strong sense of weight and presence, and even the pedestal was carved from the same piece of timber. It has eight arms, though some arms and attributes are later replacements. The treasure hall reopened for general visitors in April 2023 and the statue can now be viewed during regular hours.
Fukuchiin Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Crowned Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県奈良市福智院町46
Visiting Status Special opening October 17–23 and November 1–7, 2026 (9:00–16:00)
MysteryRefinementNobility
The crowned standing Eleven-Faced Kannon is specially displayed in the Main Hall of Fukuchiin Temple. Unlike more familiar forms of the Eleven-Faced Kannon, this elegant and unusual image wears a jeweled crown. Tradition holds that it once protected the rear demon gate of Ise and that, after the anti-Buddhist destruction of the early Meiji era, it was brought to Fukuchiin through a fortunate connection. Its refined, somewhat exotic appearance and the history of its relocation give the image a distinctive sense of mystery. Normally closed to the public, it will be specially displayed from October 17 to 23 and again from November 1 to 7, 2026, from 9:00 to 16:00.
Gangoji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
奈良県奈良市中院町11
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–17:00; entry until 16:30)
PeacefulnessDepthRefinement
The Important Cultural Property wooden seated Amida Nyorai is preserved in Gangoji Temple's Horinkan Treasure Hall. Dating to around the middle of the 10th century in the Heian period, this half-jo-roku image was carved from timber thought to be kaya, with some areas modeled in clay and finished with gold leaf. Both hands form the welcoming gesture associated with the johin-gesho form, and the statue displays the powerful, weighty style characteristic of 10th-century Buddhist sculpture in Nara. One theory identifies it as the former principal image of the pagoda at Gangoji's subsidiary Zenjoin, later transferred in the medieval period; it is also said to have remained in the Gokurakudo until the Meiji era. It can now be viewed in the Horinkan.
Byakugoji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Enma King Category Other
奈良県奈良市白毫寺町392
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–17:00)
DignityTense PresencePower
The Important Cultural Property wooden seated Enma King is preserved in the Treasure House of Byakugoji Temple and is one of the temple's best-known Buddhist sculptures. Dating to the Kamakura period, the figure has a fiercely contorted expression and sharp crystal eyes that give it a powerful presence, embodying Enma's authority as the judge of the dead. On either side are Shiroku, who reads out the deeds of the deceased, and Shimyo, who records their sins. All three figures are constructed in joined-block wood and were originally brightly polychromed. They can be viewed in the Treasure House during the temple's regular opening hours of 9:00–17:00.
Chogosonshi-ji Temple
Buddhist Image Bishamonten (Hidden Principal Image) Category Tenbu (Deva)
奈良県生駒郡平群町信貴山2280-1
Visiting Status Hidden image (general viewing Jan 4–11 and Feb 1–28, 2027, 9:00–16:00; unavailable during prayer services)
DignityPowerMystery
The principal Bishamonten of Chogosonshi-ji Temple is enshrined in the Main Hall. Mount Shigi is revered as the sacred place where Bishamonten is said to have first appeared in Japan, and the temple is regarded as the head temple of Bishamonten devotion. Temple tradition traces this faith to Prince Shotoku's encounter with Bishamonten on the mountain and the divine protection he received. In the inner sanctuary, Bishamonten is worshipped as the central figure of a triad with Zennishi Doji and Kisshoten. Normally hidden from view, the image is scheduled for general viewing from January 4 to 11 and February 1 to 28, 2027, from 9:00 to 16:00, except during prayer services.
Shorenji Dainichido
Buddhist Image Seated Dainichi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
奈良県橿原市小綱町335
Visiting Status Special opening September 20–23, 2026 (10:00–17:00; no advance reservation required)
NobilityRefinementSolemnity
The principal image of Shorenji Dainichido is an Important Cultural Property wooden seated Dainichi Nyorai dating to the early Kamakura period. Measuring 148.3 cm high, it is made of joined cypress wood with lacquer and gold leaf. The figure wears a jeweled crown and forms the chiken-in mudra, identifying it as Dainichi of the Diamond Realm. Its rounded, full face, substantial body, and thin, elegant robe folds are characteristic features, and the statue is thought to have been created by a sculptor of the In school active around Kyoto. After a restoration lasting about ten months from 2020, it is being specially opened from September 20 to 23, 2026, from 10:00 to 17:00, with no advance reservation required.
Tachibanadera Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県高市郡明日香村橘532
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–17:00; last admission 16:30)
GentlenessRefinementStillness
The Important Cultural Property wooden seated Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu is enshrined in the Kannon Hall of Tachibanadera Temple. Dating to the late Heian period, the figure has six arms, traditionally understood as expressing Kannon's saving activity across the six realms of existence. Its softly rounded face, calm expression, and balanced body embody the delicate elegance of the Jocho style and make it an important example among late-Heian Nyoirin Kannon images. The statue can be viewed during regular admission to Tachibanadera, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Prince Shotoku.
Horinji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Kokuzo Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県生駒郡斑鳩町三井1570
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (Mar–Nov 8:00–17:00; Dec–Feb 8:00–16:30)
RefinementDepthNobility
The Important Cultural Property wooden standing Kokuzo Bosatsu is preserved in Horinji Temple's Lecture Hall. Dating to the Asuka period, it is carved from a single block of camphor wood, retains traces of polychromy, and stands 175.4 cm high. Temple tradition identifies the figure as Kokuzo Bosatsu, although the water vase in its left hand has led some scholars to regard it as a form of Kannon. Its archaic style recalls Horyuji's Kudara Kannon, while the fuller face and legs and other details suggest influence from Northern Chinese sculpture. Formerly enshrined in the Kondo together with the principal Yakushi Nyorai, it is now on regular view in the Lecture Hall.
Taimadera Nakanobo
Buddhist Image Guiding Kannon (Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県葛城市當麻1263
Visiting Status Normally viewable from outside the hall (9:00–17:00); special interior viewing at the Guiding Kannon service at 14:00 on the 16th of each month
GentlenessWarmthNobility
The wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon known as the 'Guiding Kannon' is the principal image of Taimadera Nakanobo and is enshrined in the hall associated with the tonsure of Princess Chujo. Dating to the early Heian period, around the late 10th century, it is designated an Important Art Object and has long been revered as Princess Chujo's guardian image. A five-colored cord extends from the statue's right hand to the outside of the hall so visitors can form a devotional connection with the Kannon. The image remains the focus of prayers for good relationships, safe childbirth, children, and protection from misfortune. It can normally be viewed from outside the hall between 9:00 and 17:00, while interior viewing is possible during the monthly service on the 16th at 14:00.
Futaiji Temple
Buddhist Image Five Great Wisdom Kings Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
奈良県奈良市法蓮町517
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–17:00; reception until about 16:50)
Tense PresencePowerDignity
The Important Cultural Property wooden Five Great Wisdom Kings are enshrined in Futaiji Temple's Main Hall surrounding the principal Sacred Kannon. The group consists of Fudo Myoo at the center with Gosanze, Gundari, Daiitoku, and Kongoyasha Myoo, and represents the esoteric Buddhist sculptural tradition of the Heian period. Their fierce expressions and forceful poses contrast sharply with the gentle appearance of the principal 'Narihira Kannon,' creating a taut protective atmosphere within the hall. Current information from the Nara City Tourism Association states that the Five Great Wisdom Kings, together with the Sacred Kannon, are on regular view from 9:00 to 17:00.
Taimadera Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
奈良県葛城市當麻1263
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–17:00)
PeacefulnessRefinementSolemnity
The Important Cultural Property wooden seated Amida Nyorai is the principal image of Taimadera Temple's Lecture Hall. Dating to the late Heian period, this jo-roku scale Buddha has a calm face and balanced body that preserve the refined elegance of the Jocho style. The hall also contains a notable group of Buddhist sculptures from the Heian through Kamakura periods, including Myodo Bosatsu, another traditional Amida image, and Jizo Bosatsu, making it an important setting for experiencing Taimadera's Pure Land faith. The Lecture Hall is part of the three main halls open to regular visitors from 9:00 to 17:00.
Toshodaiji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Shaka Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
奈良県奈良市五条町13-46
Visiting Status Special viewing every October 21–23 (9:00–16:00)
RefinementStillnessSolemnity
An Important Cultural Property standing Shaka Nyorai is enshrined in a shrine inside Toshodaiji Temple's Raido Hall. Made in 1258 and about 1.66 m tall, it is a Seiryoji-style image distinguished by rope-like hair and a robe covering both shoulders. Numerous dedicatory documents found inside the statue confirm its date, and it is specially displayed during the annual Shaka Nenbutsu-e rites.
Horyuji Temple
Buddhist Image Shaka Triad Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
奈良県生駒郡斑鳩町法隆寺山内1-1
Visiting Status Special opening every November 1–3 (until 16:30)
DignityRefinementSolemnity
The Kamimido Hall at Horyuji Temple enshrines a Heian-period National Treasure Shaka Triad. The central Shaka Nyorai is flanked by two attendants, forming the devotional focus of a hall normally closed to the public. Kamimido opens only for three days each year, November 1–3, when the triad can be viewed inside the hall.
Saidaiji Temple
Buddhist Image Four Seated Buddhas from the Pagoda Base Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
奈良県奈良市西大寺芝町1丁目1-5
Visiting Status Displayed during Shuhokan opening periods (Jan 15–Feb 4, Apr 20–May 10, Oct 25–Nov 15; 9:00–16:30)
MysteryDepthSolemnity
The Important Cultural Property Four Seated Buddhas from the Pagoda Base are displayed in Saidaiji Temple's Shuhokan. Made in the Heian period in wood-core dry lacquer, each figure is about 70–75 cm tall. They are thought to have faced outward on the four sides of the first story of one of the temple's pagodas; when Eison repaired them in 1283, they were identified as Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amida, and Shaka.