Abe Monjuin Temple is a scenic temple located in the city of Sakurai, in Nara Prefecture. Abe Monjuin temple is seldom visited by tourists, but the picturesque scenery of the temple makes it a worthwhile visit.
The temple was founded in 645 AD, and is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. While there has been several instances where the temple has burned down, the current structure found today was built in 1665. In Japan, this temple enshrines the Buddhist deity of wisdom, Monju Bosatsu. Abe Monjuin temple is a popular destination among local students leading up to exams, as students pray, and leave wishes for good results on their exams.
While it is free to walk around the grounds, there is a entrance fee to enter both the Main Hall, and the Kinkaku Umikido.
The Main hall contains a statue of Monju Bosatsu, on the back of a lion, accompanied by four attendants. This statue stands at seven metres tall, and is registered as a National Treasure, and is very impressive in person.
Another interesting thing to see at Abe Monjuin temple is the Kinkaku Ukimido Reihokan, which is a golden pavilion, which stands in a small pond. Unlike the Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, this golden pavilion does not have gold foil, but instead is coloured in a way that resembles gold.
All in all, Abe Monjuin temple is a fascinating, and scenic temple that is worth visiting if you are in the area.
Hours and Admission
- Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Main Hall, National Treasure Monju Bosatsu: 700JPY
- Kinkaku Ukimido Reihokan: 700JPY
- Main Hall and Kinkaku Ukimido: 1200JPY
- Average Time Spent: 30 minutes
- Official Website
Accessing Abe Monjuin Temple
Abe Monjuin Temple is found in the city of Sakurai, which is a 30 minute train ride from Nara Station, to Sakurai Station and costs 330JPY one way.
From Sakurai Station, Abe Monjuin Temple is a 20 minute walk, or about 5 minutes in a taxi.
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Where to Stay
Guesthouse Nara Komachi
Cheap and fresh place to stay near JR Nara Station.
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Kasuga Hotel
Reputable hotel with excellent onsen facilities and both Japanese and western style rooms
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Nara Ryokan
Japanese style hotel conveniently located near some of Nara's top sites.
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