Oka-dera Temple

Its formal name is Ryugai-ji.
There is a pond called Ryugai-ike which is said to have a dragon sealed within in the grounds.
The principle object of worship is the Cintamani-cakra bodhisattva sedentary statue (Important Cultural Property), which is the largest earthen statue in Japan. In the spring, 3000 rhododendrons color the grounds.

  • Entrance fee: 300 yen
  • Closed: Open all year, excluding cases of special circumstances
  • Open hours: March 1-November 30: 8:00~17:00; December 1 – End of February: 8:00~16:30

Tachibana-dera Temple

tachibanaSaid to be the birthplace of Umayadonooji/Prince Shotoku Taishi, this is one of the 7 temples built by him.
We know that it was built in 680 through fire records. There is also a stone which possesses two faces–one good and one evil.

  • Entrance fee: 350 yen
  • Closed: Open all year, excluding cases of special circumstances
  • Open hours: 9:00~17:00

Asuka-dera Temple

asuka01Built from the end of the 6th century to the start of the 7th century with the prayer of Soga no Umako, it is Japan’s oldest full-fledged Buddhist Temple.
The copper Shakanyorai sedentary statue (Important Cultural Property) is the principle object of worship and is known by the popular name “Asuka Daibutsu”.

  • Entrance fee: 350 yen
  • Closed: April 7-April 9
  • Open hours: April 1 – September 30: 9:00~17:30; October 1-March 31: 9:00~17:00

Takamatuzuka Tumulus & Mural Museum

Adjacent to the Takamatsuzuka Tumulus, it reproduces all of the valuable wall paintings (National Treasures) including the richly colored “Asuka Bijin (Asuka Beauties)” from the time when wall paintings were originally discovered.
Monitors providing explanations in 3 languages.
You can enjoy an easy-to-understand overall introduction of the ancient tomb.

  • Entry Fee: 250 yen
  • Closed: December 29-January 3
  • Entry hours: 9:00~17:00