Modest but impressive Buddhist temple homing the oldest statue of Buddha in Japan.
Complemented by garden and a small museum.
Possibility to ring the bell of the temple (with respect.)
Very far off the beaten path (40 minute walk from the nearest train station) but worth the trip. This is the site of the first Buddhist temple in Japan, and home to the oldest Buddha statue in Japan. Unlike most temples, you can take pictures of everything.
It's a very simple temple, but the history surrounding it makes the whole place feel almost otherworldly. Buddhism shaped the culture and history of Japan, and that all started right here.
If you're spending time in Nara, and you care about Japanese Buddhist history, this is a must visit.
