Adjacent to Horyu-ji's Eastern Precinct: The Serene Bodhisattva Half-Seated Meditation Statue of the 'Asuka Smile'
About this spot
A nunnery associated with Prince Shotoku's mother, Empress Anaho-be no Hasihito, located adjacent to Horyu-ji's eastern precinct. The principal image, the Bodhisattva Half-Seated Meditation statue, is renowned for its gentle expression called the 'Asuka Smile,' and is sometimes counted among the 'Three Great Smiles of the World' alongside Egypt's Sphinx and da Vinci's Mona Lisa. In contrast to Horyu-ji's grandeur, this place exudes a quiet, serene atmosphere.
Fireworks details
Name: 安堵町ふれあい盆踊り大会
Date & time: 8/23 (Sun) Time TBA
Venue: 生駒郡安堵町・安堵中央公園多目的広場
安堵町の安堵中央公園多目的広場を会場に、2026年8月23日(日)に開催される地域密着型の盆踊り大会です。地元の自治会や子ども会が中心となって運営される、規模は大きくなくとも温かい雰囲気が漂う夏祭りで、法隆寺や中宮寺といった世界遺産の町からもほど近い、静かな田園地帯ならではの落ち着いた祭りの空気を味わえます。家族連れでも安心して過ごせる規模感が魅力です。
Tips
会場周辺は住宅地のため、駐車場が限られる場合があります。時間に余裕を持って向かいましょう。広場は日陰が少ないため、夕方でも暑さ対策を忘れずに。
Tips
A short walk from Horyu-ji's eastern precinct (法隆寺東院). Admission required. Though the main hall is a modern building, the Buddha statue is over a thousand years old.
Best time to visit
Approximately 35 minutes. Best visited immediately after Horyu-ji to maintain flow.
Access & map
〒636-0111 Nara Prefecture Ikoma County Ikaruga Town Horyu-ji Kita 1-chome 1-2
Model course featuring this spot
2026 Ado Town Fureai Bon Odori Festival One-Day Full-Experience Course
Nara
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