Hase Things to Do

Formerly called the Hokoji, it is known as Japan's first Buddhist temple. It was removed to this site from Asuka in 718. One of Nara's seven great temples, Gango-ji was noted for its mandala which Priest Chiko painted, its roof... more

Nested against Mt. Takamado's western slope, is a temple whose five-colored camellias are so unusual that the area has been named a national monument. Byakugo-ji is also famous for its white and red bush clover, hagi. Bright fl... more

Nara is famous for art works, particular to the region, employing traditional techniques going back for a millennium. In this authentic row house setting are demonstrations of contemporary craftsmen working using time honored s... more

The architecture of this museum is definitely modern but its designer Kishio Kurokawa managed to construct an aesthetically pleasing building which blends in well with the backdrop of Nara. Dedicated to the noteworthy photograp... more

For a bit of local history, stop here before visiting the temples and museums. The Koshin-do Hall is named for the monkey-like god, called Migawari-zuru or Negai-zaru. His role is to prevent bad luck, instead the monkey can be... more

The building of Yakushi-ji was ordered by Emperor Temmu as supplication for his ailing Empress in 680. When he passed away in 698, it was not yet finished. It is not clear whether it was removed to its present location, after... more

The result of a plan to tie in with the Silk Road Exposition (1988) and the revitalization of Nara-machi, this specialty museum focuses on various devices which men have produced to mark time. For example, the then Crown Prince... more

Formerly an annex to Gango-ji, Jurin-in was established in the early 8th century under the supervision of Nakai Asano to fulfill the wishes of Empress Gensho. Its small stone shrine houses both a Jizo and Gautama Buddhist statu... more

This lovely temple, the headquarters of Buddhism's Ritsu sect was established in 759 AD by Ganjin, the famous priest of the Tang dynasty era. The shodai in the name connotes a place for Buddhist teaching shared with an enlighte... more