Gangoji
奈良県
World Heritage successor to Asuka-dera — Japan's oldest Buddhist temple with original Asuka-era roof tiles
Founded
718
Type
Temple
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近鉄奈良駅から徒歩15分
奈良県奈良市中院町11
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Overview
A UNESCO World Heritage temple descended from Asuka-dera, Japan's oldest full-scale Buddhist temple, relocated to its present site in 718 following the capital's move to Heijokyo. Once rivaling Kofukuji and Todaiji as one of the Seven Great Temples of Nanto, its former precinct encompassed the entire area now known as Naramachi. The main hall and meditation hall of the Gokurakubo precinct survive …
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Origins
Gangoji traces its origins to Hoko-ji (Asuka-dera), founded in 596 by the powerful clan leader Soga no Umako in Asuka, present-day Asuka village in Nara Prefecture. Regarded as Japan's oldest full-scale Buddhist temple, it was constructed with the aid of craftsmen of continental origin. Following th…
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Divine Benefits
Purification
Rebirth in Pure Land
Cleansing impurity, spiritual purification, driving away evil. Rooted in misogi ablutions and goma fire rites.
Derived from the enshrined deity "智光曼荼羅（阿弥陀如来）"
祭Festivals & Events— 1
祭
8月
23
Gangoji Jizo Manto-e
About 500 lanterns illuminate World Heritage Gangoji during the Jizo Bon festival.
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