NARA TEMPLES and SHRINES

Gangoji Temple is a Buddhist Temple was established in 588 as part of Asuka-dera. In 718 it was moved to Nara and became one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara. Gangoji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Himurojinja Shrine is located opposite Nara Park and is dedicated to the God of ice. During its Ice Dedication Festival, in May each year, a pole of ice which is packed with carp and breams is presented to the God.

Hokke-do Hall is part of the Nigatsudo sub temple complex which is within the Todaiji Temple complex. Hokke-do Hall (Lotus Hall) is significant because it is the oldest structure in Todaiji Temple dating back to 747AD. Hokke-do Hall is located to the east of the Great Buddha Hall on the side of Mount Wakakusa in Nara Park and next to Nigatsudo Temple.

Hokkiji Temple is a Buddhist Temple located in Okamoto, Nara Prefecture. Hokkiji Temple features the oldest three story pagoda in Japan and is one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara. Hokkiji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area" listing.

Horin-ji Temple, also known as Miidara Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in Nara only 1km from Hokkiji Temple. Horin-ji Temple was established in the 7th century, however none of the buildings date back to this period. The three story pagoda was reconstructed in 1975. Horin-ji Temple holds six Buddhist statues which are designated Important Cultural Assets.

Horyuji Temple is a Buddhist Temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture. Horyuji Temple's pagoda is considered to be one of the world's oldest surviving wooden building which started construction in 594. Horyuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area" listing.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is the head shrine for around 3,000 Kasuga Shrines throughout Japan and is located within Nara Park, Nara. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Kimpu Shrine is a Shinto Shrine located in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Kimpu Shrine was established in the 10th century. Kimpu Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

Kimpusenji Temple is the head temple for the Shugendo Buddhist sect in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Kimpusenji Temple is believed to have been established around second half of the 7th century by En no Ozunu who also founded the Shugendo sect. Kimpusenji Temple is located at a junction of several of pilgramage routes. The Zaodo building within the temple complex is the second largest wooden structure in Japan. Kimpusenji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

Kofukuji Temple (Nara) is a large temple complex featuring two pagodas plus many National Tresures and Important Cultural Properties. Kofukuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Nigatsudo Temple is part of a sub temple complex which is within the Todaiji Temple complex. Nigatsudo Temple is located to the east of the Great Buddha Hall on the side of Mount Wakakusa in Nara Park where it provides a great view across the valley towards Nara city. While the temple dates back to 772AD, the current building dates back to 1669 after a fire destroyed the first temple building.

Ominesanji Temple is an important temple for the Shugendo Buddhist sect. Ominesanji Temple is located on the top of Mount Omine in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Ominesanji Temple was found around 600AD by En no Ozunu who also founded the Shugendo sect. Parts of Ominesanji Temple are considered sacred and only men can enter these. Ominesanji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

Saidaiji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect which is located in Nara. Saidaiji Temple means Great Western Temple as it is to the west of its counterpart Todaiji Temple. Saidaiji Temple was established in 765AD.

Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine is the first branch of Usa Hachimangu Shrine (Usa-shi, Oita-ken), which was established in 749AD in order to protect Todaiji Temple. Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine was separated from Todaiji Temple in Meiji Period due to the separation of Buddhism and Shintoism. The original buildings were destroyed by fire in 1180. The current buildings were built in 1250. Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine contains many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Rice Planting Festival is held in February every year. Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine is located on the eastern side of Nara Park.

Todaiji Temple is a Buddhist temple in Nara, which is famous for being the world's largest wooden building, which houses Japan's largest statue of Buddha. Todaiji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Nandaimon Gate is the Great Southern Gate for Todaiji Temple. Nandaimon Gate is around 400m south of the main Todaiji Temple and today almost appears to be a separate structure by itself. Nandaimon Gate, being part of Todaiji Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Toshodaiji Temple, located in Nara, is the head temple in Japan of the Ritsu-shi sect of Buddhism. Toshodaiji Temple has many buildings dating back to 759 that are National Treasures. Toshodaiji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Wakamiya Shrine is a Subordinate shrine of Kasuga Taisha Shrine and a complex of 12 small shrines. Wakamiya Shrine was established in 1135. The Main Hall, Oratory, Kaguraden (music hall) and Ablution Pavilion are designated as National Treasures. Wakamiya Shrine is famous for its On Matsuri (Festival of Japanese traditional music and dance) held in December every year. Wakamiya Shrine is located in the south eastern section of Nara Park.

Yakushiji Temple is one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan, located in Nara. Yakushiji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Yata-dara Temple (also know as Yatasan- Kongosenji Temple ) is famous for its hillside gardens full of hydrangeas. Yata-dara Temple is located in Nara.

Yoshimizu Shrine is a Shinto Shrine located on the top of Mount Yoshino in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Yoshimizu Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo and samurai Kusunoki Masashige. Yoshimizu Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

Yoshino Mikumari Shrine is a Shinto Shrine located on the top of Mount Yoshino in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Yoshino Mikumari Shrine was established around 806AD and dedicated to mikumari, a female spirit associated with water. Yoshino Mikumari Shrine is one of four key mikumari shrines in Japan. Yoshino Mikumari Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.