Kairyuoji Temple: Praying for Safe Travels and the Birthplace of the Heart Sutra
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How did you enjoy Futaiji Temple, which we introduced in Article 6? I hope you fell in love with the temple quietly nestled in a residential area not far from the major tourist spots.
This time, we continue our series of visiting three temples, and this is the second of them.
This time, it's Kairyuoji Temple.
What a bold name — but it may be a temple many visitors are not yet familiar with.
It is a 20-minute walk from Futaiji, which is a little distance, but we'll introduce you to the charm of Kairyuoji Temple, which has a different appeal from Futaiji.
About Kairyuoji Temple
Kairyuoji is a temple associated with Empress Komyo, with a quiet atmosphere that retains the feel of the Nara period. The precinct is not very large, but that means fewer visitors and a peaceful, unhurried experience.
The principal image, the Eleven-Faced Kannon, is in excellent condition, richly colored, and well worth seeing. There is also the only surviving five-story pagoda built in the Nara period — the smallest National Treasure five-story pagoda in Japan.
In 734 AD, Genbou, who had gone to Tang China as part of the 9th imperial mission, encountered a violent storm in the East China Sea on his way home. He recited the Sutra of the Dragon King of the Sea (Kairyuokyo) from among the more than 5,000 volumes of sutras on board, and miraculously survived, drifting ashore on Tanegashima. The following year he returned to Heijokyo and was appointed the first head priest of Kairyuoji Temple. This story led to the temple's name, as well as its reputation as a place to pray for safe travels and study abroad.
Genbou also actively promoted the copying of the Heart Sutra. Later, Kobo Daishi Kukai, when traveling to Tang China as part of the Kentoshi mission, copied one thousand volumes of the Heart Sutra and dedicated them to this temple, praying for a safe journey. This is why the temple is also known as the birthplace of the Heart Sutra.
Like Byakugoji (Article 4) and Futaiji (Article 6) introduced earlier, this temple was also restored by Eison Kosho Bosatsu, who founded Saidaiji Temple (introduced in Article 2). Once again, a wonderful connection has emerged. Like Futaiji introduced in Article 6, Kairyuoji Temple belongs to the same Shingon Ritsu sect as Saidaiji.
Admission: 500 yen
Please pay in cash at the reception.
Area around Kairyuoji Temple
Kairyuoji Temple is a small temple in what is known as the Saho-ji area. Nearby are quiet old temples such as Futaiji, which we introduced earlier, and Hokeji Temple, which we will introduce next time.
Access (Basic Information)
Futaiji Temple → Kairyuoji Temple (on foot)
· Shortest distance: approx. 1.0 km
· Walking time: approx. 20 minutes
· Route: Head straight back the way you came (heading south), then proceed straight west along Prefectural Route 104 (Tanida Nara Line) to reach the temple.
Getting to Kairyuoji Temple from Futaiji
The Appeal of Kairyuoji Temple
How did you enjoy this report?
Compared to Futaiji, which we introduced earlier, Kairyuoji sits even deeper in a residential neighborhood.
Behind what appears to be a grand entrance, the main hall, and the many achievements recorded in history, lies an immeasurable depth of hidden history. Please come to Kairyuoji Temple to discover both the visible and hidden faces of its story.
This blog will continue to share with you places of character that you might not notice — please come and see them for yourself.
Unravel the Mysteries of Kairyuoji Temple 🐉
I hope you'll come and unravel the mysteries of Kairyuoji Temple.
Surely, your own unique Nara is waiting for you.