NaraTravel

View the oldest bell tower gate in Japan and a pond garden with seasonal flowers

About this spot

An ancient temple said to have been founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai in the first year of Tencho (824), Chorakuji is known throughout the Yamabe-no-Michi as the premier temple for flowers. The bell tower gate standing at the end of the approach path is said to be the oldest bell tower gate in Japan—a Heian period structure (Designated Important Cultural Property) with the unusual feature of a upper story that once hung a bell. The main hall enshrines the oldest class of Buddha statue using glass eyes—the Amitabha Triad (Designated Important Cultural Property)—which you can view in quiet contemplation. The temple grounds, centered around the Hosha Pond, are never without seasonal flowers: in spring, spectacular Hirado azaleas said to number 12,000 plants blanket the grounds; in autumn, the pond surface is colored by foliage counted among the finest in the Yamato region. The temple's serene garden atmosphere offers respite for tired walkers.

Tips

Located immediately next to the Tenri City Trail Center, you can visit right after lunch with just a short walk. Admission is collected at the entrance, and shrine seals are available. During azalea season (late April to early May) and autumn equinox opening of the great hell scenes, visitor numbers increase; if you prefer quiet visiting, allow extra time. The grounds center on gravel paths and stone steps, so sturdy walking shoes are recommended.