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Best temples in Nara

15 places from 15 Nara travel vlogs, most-mentioned first. The play button jumps to that moment in the video.

15 places

  1. Todaiji Temple

    Temple ยท Nara Park

    One of Japan's most prominent temples, whose huge wooden main hall houses a 15-metre bronze Buddha and a pillar hole said to bring enlightenment to those who squeeze through.

    2:36ยท Jay and Karolinain 14 vlogs

  2. Kasuga Taisha

    Temple ยท Nara Park

    Founded in 768 as the Fujiwara family shrine, this forest shrine is famed for thousands of bronze and stone lanterns, all lit during festivals in February and August.

    12:27ยท Jay and Karolinain 10 vlogs

  3. Kofukuji Temple

    Temple ยท Nara Park

    Former Fujiwara family temple founded in 710, with one of Japan's tallest five-storied pagodas and a rebuilt Central Golden Hall.

    3:16ยท PiQtour Japanin 7 vlogs

  4. Nigatsudo Hall

    Temple ยท Nara Park

    Hillside Todaiji hall with a balcony offering scenic views over Nara; main site of the Omizutori rituals.

    14:12ยท Sunny in Japanin 7 vlogs

  5. Gangoji Temple

    Temple ยท Naramachi

    Considered Japan's first Buddhist temple. It was founded as Asukadera in Asuka over 100 years before Nara became the capital.

    8:27ยท Japan Guidein 3 vlogs

  6. Tsubosaka-dera

    Temple ยท Takatori

    Hillside temple known for praying for eyesight, with a large Buddha statue overlooking the Nara landscape amid cherry blossoms.

    22:34ยท Sunny in Japanin 2 vlogs

Mentioned once

9 more picks, each from a single vlog, so not ranked.

  1. Horyuji Temple

    Temple ยท Ikaruga

    Historic temple outside central Nara, suggested as a highlight for those spending extra time in Nara Prefecture.

    10:28ยท The Navigatioย Japan1 vlog

  2. Omiwa Shrine

    Temple ยท Sakurai

    Shrine in Nara Prefecture recommended for travellers exploring beyond Nara Park.

    10:30ยท The Navigatioย Japan1 vlog

  3. Kinpusen-ji Temple

    Temple ยท Yoshino

    Ancient temple and one of the most important sites of Shugendo mountain worship, marking the start of the pilgrimage trail to Mount Omine.

    1:39ยท Japan Guide1 vlog

  4. Yoshimizu Shrine

    Temple ยท Yoshino

    Shrine built over 1,200 years ago where Emperor Go-Daigo set up his Southern Court in the 14th century, effectively serving as an imperial palace.

    1:49ยท Japan Guide1 vlog

  5. Sakuramotobo Temple

    Temple ยท Yoshino

    Important Shugendo mountain-worship temple with a long history and a complex with many facets to explore.

    1:55ยท Japan Guide1 vlog

  6. Chikurin-in Gumpoen

    Temple ยท Yoshino

    Centuries-old temple that has long lodged yamabushi pilgrims, known for its beautiful landscape garden.

    1:57ยท Japan Guide1 vlog

  7. Himuro Jinja

    Temple ยท Nara Park

    A Shinto shrine established in 710, known for the weeping cherry trees on its grounds.

    4:33ยท Happy Trip1 vlog

  8. Muro-ji

    Temple ยท Muro

    An 8th-century Shingon temple that always admitted women, earning it the nickname 'women's Koyasan'.

    8:58ยท Ryan Bednar1 vlog

  9. Sangatsudo Hall

    Temple ยท Nara Park

    Todaiji's 'March Hall', just below Nigatsudo, and the oldest building in the Todaiji complex.

    2:00ยท The City Guru1 vlog