Asuka in itself is beautiful but this temple was really serene. Had the chance to go on a day that isn’t crowded at all, although we had a couple of other elderly Japanese tourists with us who were really fascinated by the place too. It’s 400 yen per adult. They can give you an English map and guide too. Rest station and Washroom are all nicely kept and clean. The area is really beautiful, I have no other words.
This place, which is about a 5-minute drive from Asuka-dera Temple, is connected to Prince Shotoku, and I was recommended to visit by the receptionist at Asuka-dera's shrine office. Tachibana-dera Temple is said to be the birthplace of Prince Shotoku, and is said to have been built by the prince himself. The Tendai sect's mountain name is Butto-san, and its principal image is a seated statue of Prince Shotoku (a nationally important cultural property).When it was first built in the 7th century, there were many temples lined up, but it was destroyed by fire, and the current main hall was rebuilt in the Edo period and is now called Taishi-den, where the principal image is enshrined. In the precincts there is a statue of Kurokoma, the favorite horse of the prince, and a two-faced stone (Nimenseki), which is a stonework from the Asuka period and has two human faces engraved on its back, representing good and evil.It is said that what happens to you is determined by your own way of thinking and consciousness, and whether it is good or bad, it is the way you hold your mind, which makes sense. In addition, the Kannon-do Hall is enshrined and cherished on the same level as the Taishi-den, and before the Taishi-den was built, it was enshrined as the main hall. The principal image is a seated statue of Nyoirin Kannon, which is said to save people by holding the Nyoirin Jewel and the Heavenly Law Wheel, and Prince Shotoku is said to be the incarnation of Nyoirin Kannon, all of which are enshrined as precious and grateful beings. When you recite the mantra of Nyoirin Kannon at Kannon-do, you will feel even more grateful for your visit. Please be sure to visit the Taishiden and Kannon-do halls together. I received the stamp of ``Shotokuden'' at the conferment office in the main hall of the Prince's Hall.There is also the ``Prince's Birthplace'', so be sure to get a stamp as a souvenir of your visit.
