Gaze upon the Maitreya Buddha carved into the cliff face across the Uda River and quietly offer your prayers
About this spot
An ancient temple with ties to Muroji (室生寺), standing on the banks of the Uda River. The main attraction is the Maitreya Buddha carved into a towering cliff face on the opposite bank of the river. The line-carved cliff Buddha, standing over 11 meters tall, is believed to have been carved during the Kamakura period. Looking up quietly in the valley where only the sound of the river echoes, you become enveloped by the sense of prayers inherited across time. On the temple grounds stands a weeping cherry tree said to be 300 years old, and in spring its pale reddish flowers drape the branches in a display competing with the cliff Buddha, making it famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. The compact and calm temple grounds are perfectly suited for a brief stop on the way from Hasedera to Muroji, adding a quiet lingering beauty to a couple's temple pilgrimage.
Tips
A 5-minute walk from Muroguchi-Ono Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line, making it easily accessible even for train travelers. By car, there are parking spaces for several vehicles near the temple grounds. Since the cliff Buddha is viewed from the opposite bank of the Uda River, binoculars allow you to see the line carvings more clearly. The weeping cherry season (late March to early April) draws large crowds, so allow extra time.
Best time to visit
About 40 minutes. A midday stop on the way from Hasedera to Muroji works perfectly.
Access & map
〒633-0315 Nara Prefecture, Uda City, Muro, Ohno 1680
Model course featuring this spot
Uda: Hasedera and Muroji Temples - A Flower Temple Pilgrimage
Nara
Explore features & model courses
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