Okadera
奈良県
Seventh stop on the Saigoku pilgrimage — Japan's first evil-warding sacred site, housing the country's largest clay Nyoirin Kannon
Founded
663
Type
Temple
Visited
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近鉄橿原神宮前駅からバス「岡寺前」下車徒歩10分
奈良県高市郡明日香村岡806
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Overview
Ancient Shingon Buzan temple founded in 663 on the site of Prince Kusakabe's palace in Asuka, and the 7th site of the Saigoku pilgrimage. The nearly 5-meter clay seated Nyoirin Kannon is Japan's largest clay Buddhist image, designated an Important Cultural Property. Known as Japan's first sanctuary for warding off evil. The hilltop grounds, adorned with rhododendrons and dahlias, command sweeping …
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Origins
Okadera (formally Ryugaiji) is said to have been founded in 663 CE by the eminent monk Gien Sozu on the site of the former Okanomiya Palace, once the residence of Prince Kusakabe. Gien is regarded as a leading figure in the early development of Japanese Buddhism, particularly the Hosso school. The t…
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Pilgrimage Circuit
A pilgrimage of 33 Kannon temples — the oldest Kannon circuit in Japan, winding through 6 prefectures in the Kinki region and Gifu
如
About Nyoirin Kannon
Wooden seated Nyoirin Kannon (Kanshinji, Osaka, National Treasure, early Heian period)
Nyoirin Kannon (Wish-Fulfilling Kannon): grants the prayers of beings, holding the wish-fulfilling jewel (cintāmaṇi) and the Dharma wheel. Typically depicted seated with six arms in a contemplative half-lotus pose.
Kannon Forms · Seven Kannon
聖
Shō
十
Jūichimen
千
Senju
如
Nyoirin
馬
Batō
准
Juntei
不
Fukūkenjaku
View all 33 sites of Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage →
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Divine Benefits
Healing & Longevity
Matchmaking
Safe Childbirth & Fertility
Warding Off Evil
Recovery from illness, bodily wellness, peace of mind. Especially efficacious at Yakushi and Kannon temples.
Derived from the enshrined deity "如意輪観音"
記Related Articles— 2
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Nyoirin Kannon: The Wish-Fulfilling Bodhisattva of the Six Avalokiteshvara
Nyoirin Kannon is one of the Six Kannon, a bodhisattva who holds the wish-fulfilling jewel and Dharma wheel, saving sentient beings in all six realms with six arms. Renowned for the contemplative pose known as shiyui-so, celebrated images are enshrined at Okadera, Kanshinji, and Domyoji.
basics
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記
Maitreya Bodhisattva: The Future Buddha and the Meaning of the Pensive Pose
Maitreya is the Buddha of the Future, prophesied to appear 5.67 billion years after the passing of Shakyamuni. Currently residing in Tushita Heaven, his image in the pensive half-lotus pose is enshrined in temples across Japan. This guide explores Miroku faith through the National Treasure statues at Koryuji and Toshodaiji.
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Visiting Information
Hours
8:30-17:00 (8:30-16:30 Dec-Feb)
Admission
General 500, high school 400, junior high 400, free elementary and under.
As of 2026-07-17. Subject to change.
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