NaraTravel

Climb the 399-step covered corridor and take in a sweeping view of the Hatsuse mountain village from the main hall stage

About this spot

The head temple of the Shingon Buzan school and also known as the eighth temple on the Thirty-three Temples of Western Japan pilgrimage route, this is a historic temple representing Nara. True to its name as the "Temple of Flowers," the temple grounds are wrapped in blossoms throughout the seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, peonies (some 7,000 plants of 150 varieties), hydrangeas in early summer, and autumn foliage. The 399-step covered corridor leading to the main hall is a distinctive Hasedera sight, with lanterns lining the roofed passageway, and climbing one step at a time heightens your sense of journey. The main hall, a National Treasure, features a stage-style structure jutting out from the mountainside, and from the stage you can overlook the Hatsuse mountain village and the flower-adorned temple complex. The standing figure of Juichimen Kannon (Eleven-headed Avalokiteshvara) stands about 10 meters tall and displays power as one of Japan's largest wooden Buddhist statues—a temple worthy of where a couple can take their time in prayer at the start of the day.

Tips

About 15 minutes' walk from Hasedera Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line through the temple-gate town. By car, paid parking is available around the temple gate area. The peak seasons for peonies (late April to early May) and autumn foliage draw large crowds, so arriving right after the gate opens in the early morning is reassuring. Although the corridor has 399 steps, the incline is gentle with handrails, allowing you to climb at your own pace. The temple grounds have many stone steps, so wear shoes you're comfortable walking in.