[2025 Nara Attraction] Travel Guide for Gango-ji (Updated Jul)

#tripflyingtoprayforNewYear 🎌 Let's play with deer, visit ancient temples, enjoy nature, and walk around the classic old town! 📌 Suitable for those who like to chill, take pictures, and those who want to experience authentic Japaneseness 🚆 Traveling from Osaka to Nara 🚄 Nankai Line or Kintetsu Line • From Osaka Namba → Kintetsu Nara Station (35 minutes, 570 yen) 🚉 • More convenient because it's closer to the main tourist attractions 🚆 JR Line • From Osaka Station → JR Nara Station (45 minutes, 820 yen) 🚉 • Can use the JR Pass, but it's a bit further to walk 🌅 Morning: Visit the famous temple area and play with deer 📍 Places to visit: • Nara Park (奈良公園) 🦌🌳 • A kingdom of over 1,000 adorable deer! • You can buy “Sembei” (deer snacks) to feed them, but don’t tease them~ • Todai-ji Temple (東大寺) 🏯 • The world’s largest wooden temple • There’s a giant statue of the Buddha (Daibutsu) • Kasuga Taisha (春日大社) ⛩️ • A red shrine in the middle of the forest • There’s a classic old stone lantern 🍽️ Lunch: What to eat in Nara? • Kakinoha Sushi (柿の葉寿司) 🍣 – Original Persimmon Leaf Sushi • Miwa Somen (三輪そうめん) 🍜 – Thin, soft Somen noodles, incredibly delicious • Matcha Soft Cream (抹茶ソフト) 🍦 – Rich Matcha Ice Cream 🌇 Afternoon: Tour the old town and shop for souvenirs 📍 Places to visit: • Naramachi (ならまち) 🏘️ • Old town of old merchants • Stylish cafes and cute souvenir shops • Gango-ji Temple (元興寺) 🌿 • A temple with a 1,300-year-old tiled roof! • Not many people, can walk around comfortably 🌆 Evening: Take a walk before going back to Osaka • Walk around Kintetsu Nara Station 🛍️ • Stop by to buy souvenirs such as sembei snacks or cute deer souvenirs 🚆 Travel back to Osaka (about 35-45 minutes) 💡 Tips: ✅ Bring some sembei snacks for the deer 🦌 (but they might be grumpy if you don't give them to them!) ✅ Wear comfortable shoes 👟 because you'll have to walk a lot ✅ It's best to come in the morning 🌅 because there aren't many people and the weather is nice ✨ Nara is a small but lovely city that you have to visit at least once! 🇯🇵 #TravelJapan #TravelPlan #TravelNara

Called as Gangi-ji. Set in a gorgeous, traditional neighbourhood of Nara, this small temple is off the main tourist trail, despite being only a short walk away from several major attractions such as the Nara Museum. For those with a couple of days in this beautiful city, it is worth coming here to experience a quaint wooden temple set in a sea of gravel. Yet while the main hall has a certain quiet appeal, it is the small site museum which really impressed is. The museum contains a remarkable 10th century wooden Buddha coated in gold leaf which is an object of wonder. This temple is so peaceful and quiet yet so magnificent on the inside. We sat inside the temple where there were two different places which explained how to do meditation and what it means. There is also another building that has lots of artifacts and all information is in English. #givethanks #givethanks

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip [Gangoji Temple] This temple is registered as a World Heritage Site as one of the cultural assets of the ancient city of Nara. It is located in the center of Naramachi, and was newly built and moved from Hokkoji Temple (Asukadera Temple), Japan's first full-scale temple, when the capital was moved to Heijo-kyo. The entrance to Gangoji Temple is along Naramachi Street. During the Nara period, it was a large temple on par with Todaiji Temple, and most of Naramachi was once the grounds of Gangoji Temple. National Treasure: Gokurakudo (Gokurakubo Main Hall and Mandala Hall) Holy place where Pure Land Buddhism originated in Nara National Treasure: Zen Room Important Cultural Property: East Gate Amazingly, tiles from the Asuka period 1,400 years ago remain on part of the roof of the main hall and Zen room. Other treasures owned by Gangoji Temple are on display at the Horinkan, where you can view the National Treasure "Five-story Small Pagoda" and precious Buddha statues designated as Important Cultural Properties from up close. You'll also be amazed by the stone towers neatly arranged in the temple grounds, known as Uzuda. The exterior is not flashy or luxurious, but the temple is solemn and historic, with many precious gods and Buddhas, and many things to see, such as the five-story small pagoda. If it had been morning, the lotus flowers in Gokurakudo would have been beautiful☆ Photography was prohibited inside. Admission fee: 500 yen [Gangoji Temple] Address: 11 Nakanoin-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture #Nara Tourism #Gangoji Temple

#### Introduction to Gankoji Temple Gankoji Temple, located in Nara City, Japan, is an ancient temple with profound historical and cultural significance. It was built in 588 AD and is one of the oldest temples in Nara. Gankoji Temple was originally founded by Prince Shotoku to promote the spread of Buddhism and became the religious and cultural center of Nara at that time. Many important cultural properties are preserved in the temple, attracting many tourists and scholars to visit and study. The architectural style of Gankoji Temple incorporates traditional elements of ancient Japan. The wooden structure and exquisite carvings in the temple show the superb skills of the craftsmen at that time. There is a main hall in the center of the temple, which enshrines the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, surrounded by other ancillary buildings such as bell towers and sutra halls, forming a harmonious religious space. #### History and Culture Gankoji Temple is not only a place of religious belief, but also a cultural treasure house. Many cultural relics and artworks in the temple have been designated as important national cultural properties, showing the artistic style and religious beliefs of the Nara period. For example, the ancient scriptures and calligraphy works in the temple not only have an important position in Japanese history, but also have a profound impact on the artistic creation of later generations. The garden design in the temple is also unique, fully demonstrating the aesthetics of traditional Japanese gardens. Strolling in the garden, the flowers, plants and trees that change with the seasons make people feel the changes of nature, especially when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in spring and the maple leaves are dyed red in autumn, attracting a large number of tourists to take pictures. #### Visiting experience Visiting Gangoji Temple, visitors can feel a kind of spiritual peace in a quiet environment. The atmosphere in the temple is very peaceful and integrated with the surrounding natural environment, which makes people slow down and appreciate the tranquility. You can stroll in the corridors of the temple and admire the ancient buildings and exquisite decorations, or sit quietly in the garden and enjoy a moment of peace. One of the characteristics of Gangoji Temple is its long tradition and cultural activities. Various religious ceremonies and cultural activities are often held in the temple, attracting believers and tourists to participate. For example, during the Lantern Festival or the Spring Festival, the temple will hold special events to allow participants to have a deeper understanding of Japan's religious culture. #### Transportation Information Gankoji Temple is also very convenient to access. You can walk there from the center of Nara, or take public transportation such as buses and subways. The environment around the temple is beautiful and suitable for cycling or walking, so that you can also enjoy the natural scenery of Nara while exploring. #### Summary Gankoji Temple is a place full of history and culture. Whether it is the exploration of religious beliefs or the appreciation of ancient Japanese art, it can provide a rich experience. During your trip to Nara, don't forget to include Gankoji Temple in your itinerary, immerse yourself in the quiet beauty of this ancient temple, feel the baptism of a thousand-year culture, and let your soul find a quiet and peaceful place here. #Register for June Hotel Test Sleeper 2025 #Japan #Nara #Gankoji #Temple

#Domestic Travel Strategy Nara Prefecture is located almost in the center of Japan and is a landlocked prefecture. There are many famous places such as Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Kofukuji Temple, as well as buildings and Buddhist statues designated as World Heritage Sites. If you are planning a trip to Nara, I hope you will read to the end and use it as a reference. 🔸Area: Nara, Takatori, Sakurai ────────────────── 🔸Time required: 2 days ───────────────── 🔸Transportation method: Rental car, walking ───────────────── This time we visited 15 spots. 🔹Day 1 ❶ 9:00 ROKUMEI COFFEE CO.NARA ↓ ↓ Rental car🚗About 30km About 1 hour 10 minutes ↓ ❷ 11:30 Tourist information center "Yumesoukan" and medicine museum ↓ ↓ 🚗About 18km About 50 minutes ↓ ❸ 13:30 Hasedera Temple/Hasedera Cafe ↓ ↓ 🚶About 500m About 8 minutes ↓ ❹ 15:30 Susanoo Shrine ↓ ↓ 🚗About 30km About 1 hour 20 minutes ↓ (Rental car return) ↓ ❺ 18:00 Sukiyaki and beef mabushi Momoshiki ↓ ↓ 🚶About 100m About 3 minutes 19:00 Iroha Grand Hotel Kintetsu Nara Station Check-in · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · · • • • ✤ • • • • · · ROKUMEI COFFEE CO. NARA 📍〒630-8225 31 Nishimikado-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture Yumesoukan and Medicine Museum 📍20-2 Kamitosa, Takatori-cho, Takaichi-gun, Nara Prefecture 635-0152 Hase-dera and Hasedera Cafe 📍731-1 Hatsuse, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture 633-0112 Susanoo Shrine 📍79 Hatsuse, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture 633-0112 Sukiyaki and beef mabushi Momoshiki 📍5-1 Higashimukainaka-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8215 　　　　　　　　　　Asakawa Harvest Building 2F Iroha Grand Hotel Kintetsu Nara Ekimae 📍30-1 Konishi-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8226 · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · 🔹Day 2 ❶ 9:00 Nara Park ↓ ↓ 🚶Approx. 500m, approx. 12 mins ↓ ❷ 9:30 Kasuga Taisha Shrine ↓ ↓ 🚶Approx. 350m, approx. 6 mins ↓ ❸ 10:30 Wakakusayama ↓ ↓ 🚶Approx. 600m, approx. 10 mins ↓ ❹ 11:30 Tamukeyama Shrine ↓ ↓ 🚶Approx. 600m, approx. 10 mins ↓ ❺ 11:50 Todaiji Temple Great Buddha Hall ↓ ↓ 🚶Approx. 700m, approx. 11 mins ↓ ❻ 13:30 Nara National Museum ↓ ↓ 🚶Approx. 1.3km, approx. 21 mins ↓ ❼ 14:40 Stroll around Naramachi ↓ ↓ 🚶Approx. 280m, 5 mins ↓ ❽ 15:30 Gangoji Temple ↓ ↓ 🚶Approx. 500m, 8 mins ↓ ❾ 16:30 Kofukuji Temple ↓ ↓ 🚶Approx. 230m, 4 mins ↓ ➓ 18:00 Dinner at cafe Oasis · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · · • • • • ✤ • • • · · · · • • • • ✤ • • • · · · Nara Park 📍76 Noboriojicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8213 Kasuga Taisha Shrine 📍160 Kasuganocho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8212 Wakakusayama 📍630-8211 Zoshicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture Temukayama Shrine 📍434 Zoshicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8211 Todaiji Temple Great Buddha Hall 📍406-1 Zoshicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8587 Nara National Museum 📍50 Noboriojicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8213 Naramachi 📍Nakashinayacho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8333 Gangoji Temple 📍11 Nakaincho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8392 Kofukuji Temple 📍48 Noboriojicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8213 cafe Oasis 📍1-8 Konishicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8226 Axe unit 1F · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · #Nara #domestictravel #solotravel #templesandshrines #worldheritagesite

#FuriTabiWinter A temple located in Nara City that was registered as one of the World Heritage sites "Cultural Assets of Ancient Nara" in 1998 Japan's oldest authentic Buddhist temple, Hoko-ji, was built by Soga no Umako in Asuka, and was relocated to Heijo-kyo when the capital was moved there It was originally a large temple second only to Todai-ji, and the current "Naramachi" area was apparently the grounds of Gangoji The main hall, Gokuraku-do, and the Zen room next to it have some reddish and blackish tiles The tiles in this area These tiles date from when the temple was Hokko-ji in Asuka to the Nara period, and are said to be the oldest in Japan. As you walk through the temple grounds, the stone towers and stone Buddha statues are particularly eye-catching. There are about 2,500 of them, and many of them date from the end of the Kamakura period to the mid-Edo period. Gangoji Temple is said to be the birthplace of demons, and it is said that there were demons at Gangoji Temple that would exterminate evil demons. Perhaps for this reason, there are demon figurines placed here and there in the temple grounds. #Domestic travel #Girls' trip #Solo trip #Temples and shrines #World Heritage Site #Nara #Nara sightseeing #Nara trip

#Furitabi When the capital was moved to Heijō, Japan's first full-scale temple complex, Hōkō-ji (Asuka-dera), changed its character from a Soga clan temple to a government-run temple, and was newly built and moved to Gangō-ji (the place where Buddhism first flourished, the first place where Seikyō was established). Of the former Gangō-ji temple complex, the monks' quarters and part of the lecture hall remain, and the temple grounds were called Gangō-ji Gokuraku-bo in the Middle Ages and Nara Gokuraku-in in the early modern period. Other historic sites include the remains of the Gangō-ji Pagoda (the foundation of the five-story pagoda of the East Great Pagoda Temple) and the remains of the Shoto-in Temple (part of the West Shoto-in Temple), but most of the site is buried under the streets and houses. One cornerstone of the remains of the bell tower and three cornerstones of the remains of the lecture hall have been brought in from the excavation site and are being preserved. In addition, Futoden (a group of stone pagodas and stone Buddhas), which was developed in 1988, preserves 1,500 stone memorial structures dating from the Middle Ages to the Edo period that were enshrined in connection with the graveyard of the Daijo-in temple at Kofuku-ji Temple. Every year on August 23rd and 24th, a general memorial service is held with lanterns as part of the Jizo-kai Manto Kuyo, a festival that symbolizes the end of summer in Naramachi.

🥢Somen Dokoro Surusuru 📍Nara, Nara City (15 minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara Station) Limited quantity this time ・Surusuru Somen Gozen Warm Tai Dashi Somen (2100 yen) I ordered it️📝 It was hot, but I like warm somen, so I tried the Tai Dashi Somen✨️ (You can also choose cold Tai Dashi Tomato Somen) The Surusuru Somen Gozen comes with Small dishes ・Eggplant Caponata ・Octopus and orange marinade ・Homemade loin ham with myoga and salted kelp ・Green salad with yogurt dressing Rice dishes ・Taimeshi cooked with roasted green tea (small) ・Nara pickles Sweets ・Roasted green tea pudding The sea bream dashi somen noodles are made with sea bream broth simmered in sea bream bones, and the rich broth is irresistible☺️ I took one bite and thought it was delicious💗. Squeezing lemon adds sourness, which is also delicious✨️ The deep-fried lotus root on top was so delicious that I could eat it forever! I want to eat just this💗 It comes with four small bowls, so you can enjoy it luxuriously. The salad dressing is delicious and the marinade is refreshing, which is great for the hot summer💕 The sea bream rice is just the right size, so it's perfect for eating rice when you really want to eat rice🙆♀️ The roasted green tea pudding for dessert was delicious! It made me want to eat more, and I wanted to come back just for this😊 Next time I'll try the cold somen noodles! I'll definitely go again🥰 ✍️The interior of the restaurant, which is now an old house, has counter seats and tatami seats. I think there are not many seats. Maybe because we went a little late for lunch on a weekday, we were able to get in without having to queue! Reservations are given priority on weekends. We close as soon as the soup stock runs out. . . . . 📌19 Gangoji-cho, Nara City ⏱Weekdays 11:30-15:30 Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 11:00-15:00 🗓Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 🚗No parking . . . . #Soumen-dokoro Surusuru#Surusuru#Nara gourmet#Nara lunch#Soumen#Nyumen#Nara somen#nara#Gangoji#Nara outing#Nara sightseeing#Nara trip#Furitabi

Yuanxing Temple, one of the seven major temples in Nandu, Japan, has the earliest tile in Japan.