Temple · Ikaruga

Chuguji Temple 中宮寺

Nunnery next to Horyu-ji's Eastern Precinct, home to a serene Asuka-period seated Bodhisattva and Japan's oldest embroidery, both National Treasures.

Hours9:00-16:30 (Mar 21-Sep 30); 9:00-16:00 (Oct 1-Mar 20); last entry 15 min before

PriceAdult: ¥600
Elementary school student: ¥300

Getting thereJR Horyuji Station, bus to Horyuji-sando then 8 min walk

Time needed30-60 min

Best timeCombine with Horyu-ji any season

Address1-1-2 Horyuji Kita, Ikaruga-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara 636-0111

Websitechuguji.jp

About

Chugu-ji is said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku for his mother and is still run as a convent. Its small modern main hall stands on a pond and houses the gently smiling Bodhisattva in pensive pose. The Tenjukoku Shucho embroidery fragment is kept here (a replica is displayed).

Highlights

Wooden pensive Bodhisattva (National Treasure)
Replica of the Tenjukoku Shucho embroidery
Main hall surrounded by a pond
Quiet setting beside Horyu-ji

Tips

Enter from Horyu-ji's Eastern Precinct; Horyu-ji visitors get a discount
Small site; 20-30 minutes is enough
Photography inside the hall is not allowed

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

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Chuguji Temple 中宮寺

About

Highlights

Tips

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