Okadera Temple Night Immersion

Nestled among the quiet mountain ridges of Asuka in Nara, Okadera Temple (Ryūgaiji Temple) is known as Japan’s first sacred site dedicated to warding off misfortune. For more than 1,300 years, this spiritual sanctuary has received the prayers of generations. Standing at the temple gate at dusk, one can sense the profound depth of history and a serene, sacred presence that gently invites visitors into another world.

  The principal deity, the seated Nyoirin Kannon, is celebrated as one of the largest clay Buddha statues in Japan—an invaluable cultural treasure that preserves the refined sculptural techniques of the Nara period. The stone steps leading into the precincts, lined with lanterns, together with the clear mountain air, guide each visitor into a realm of quiet contemplation and devotion.

  With KANSAI NARA Treasure Travel, the temple gates are opened exclusively after regular visiting hours. Accompanied by the deputy head priest, guests gain a deeper understanding of the temple’s origins, its history, and the spread of Kannon worship in Japan. Each story shared reveals subtle layers of time, allowing the temple’s 1,300-year heritage to be felt vividly.

  Inside the main hall, guests are invited to experience a private goma fire ritual. Sacred chanting echoes through the space as flames rise quietly, creating a solemn atmosphere that transcends language. In that moment, time seems to stand still, reaching into the quietest part of the heart.

  After the ritual, tea is served while guests overlook a softly illuminated garden. The silence of the mountains and a gentle conversation with the deputy head priest leave a lingering resonance—a moment in which even the passage of time feels unhurried.