What other travelers are saying about Asuka-dera Temple
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.
An amazing place just off the beaten tourist track. I went there with some Japanese people and see it as a very local place to go to and to be honest it is definitely worth the trip it is so complete and it's beauty it is not the oversized monumental temples that in themselves are beautiful but sometimes all to wall tourists this is a very natural. It is touted as one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan and if you get the chance to look around this area it is remarkable as you will see history that is well over 1200 years old. A special place in the hearts of the Japanese people.
