Oka-dera
Encyclopedia
is a major Buddhist temple
in the historic Asuka
area of Nara Prefecture
, Japan. Its formal name is and is associated with the Shingon-Buzan sect.
It was founded by Priest during the 7th century, and is the 7th temple on the Kansai Kannon Pilgrimage
. The statue of Gien is one of the national treasures of Japan. At the heart of the temple is Japan's largest clay image, a Nyoirin Kannon from the 8th century.
The temple can be accessed from either Okadera Station
or Asuka Station
on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line
, or by car on Route 169
. Note if visiting by train that the temple is several kilometers from either of these stations, in the hills to the east of Asuka-mura.
Temple
A temple is a structure reserved for religious or spiritual activities, such as prayer and sacrifice, or analogous rites. A templum constituted a sacred precinct as defined by a priest, or augur. It has the same root as the word "template," a plan in preparation of the building that was marked out...
in the historic Asuka
Asuka, Yamato
was one of the Imperial capitals of Japan during the Asuka period , which takes its name from this place. It is located in the present-day village of Asuka, Nara Prefecture....
area of Nara Prefecture
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
, Japan. Its formal name is and is associated with the Shingon-Buzan sect.
It was founded by Priest during the 7th century, and is the 7th temple on the Kansai Kannon Pilgrimage
Kansai Kannon Pilgrimage
The is a pilgrimage of thirty-three Buddhist temples throughout the Kansai region of Japan, similar to the Shikoku Pilgrimage. In addition to the official thirty-three temples, there are an additional three known as...
. The statue of Gien is one of the national treasures of Japan. At the heart of the temple is Japan's largest clay image, a Nyoirin Kannon from the 8th century.
The temple can be accessed from either Okadera Station
Okadera Station
is a train station located in Kashihara, Nara, Japan.The station was named after Oka-dera, a Buddhist temple located east of the station. However, since there is no transport from the station, the temple recommends visitors to use Kashiharajingū-mae Station and the bus connection.-Layout:-Adjacent...
or Asuka Station
Asuka Station
is a train station located in Asuka, Takaichi District, Nara, Japan, on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line.-Station layout:-Surroundings:*Takamatsuzuka Tomb*Ishibutai Kofun*Oni no Manaita, Oni no Setchin*Tomb of Emperor Temmu and Empress Jito...
on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line
Kintetsu Yoshino Line
of Kintetsu Corporation is a railway line in Japan between Kashihara-Jingūmae Station in Kashihara and Yoshino in Yoshino. All Express and Limited Express trains terminate at the Ōsaka Abenobashi Station in Minami-Osaka Line.-Statistics:* Length: 25.2km...
, or by car on Route 169
Route 169 (Japan)
National Route 169 is a national highway of Japan connecting Nara, Nara and Shingū, Wakayama in Japan, with a total length of 184.6 km ....
. Note if visiting by train that the temple is several kilometers from either of these stations, in the hills to the east of Asuka-mura.