Temple · Asuka

Asukadera Temple 飛鳥寺

Site of Japan's first full-scale Buddhist temple (founded 588) in Asuka village, home to the Asuka Daibutsu, Japan's oldest known Buddha statue.

Hours9:00-17:30 (Apr-Sep); 9:00-17:00 (Oct-Mar); last entry 15 min before

ClosedApril 7-9

PriceAdult: ¥500
Junior/high school student: ¥300
Elementary school student: ¥250

Getting thereKintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station, Kame bus to Asuka Daibutsu-mae

Time needed30-60 min

Best timeSpring and autumn for cycling

Address682 Asuka, Asuka-mura, Takaichi-gun, Nara 634-0103

Websiteshin-saigoku.jp/templ/templ-009

About

Asukadera was built by Soga no Umako shortly after Buddhism reached Japan. Only a small hall remains, but it still houses the bronze Asuka Daibutsu from 609, which visitors may photograph. The temple sits among rice fields and is a good stop on a cycling tour of Asuka's ancient sites.

Highlights

Asuka Daibutsu, cast in 609 (Important Cultural Property)
Photography of the Buddha is allowed
Mound of Soga no Iruka nearby
Rural Asuka scenery

Tips

Rent a bicycle at Kintetsu Asuka or Kashiharajingu-mae Station
Closed for visits April 7-9
Combine with Ishibutai Kofun, 2 km south

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-11

Plan it in Tabitomo

Save Asukadera Temple to your trip, see reviews and photos from travelers, and get directions.

Open in the app

Asukadera Temple 飛鳥寺

About

Highlights

Tips

Nearby