Gango-ji Temple

The Enduring Legacy of

Japan’s First Buddhist Temple

Hidden among the narrow lanes of Nara-machi, Gango-ji Temple offers a peaceful window into the very beginnings of Buddhism in Japan. Originally established as Asuka-dera in the 6th century by the influential Soga clan, the temple was relocated to Nara in 718 AD, becoming one of the Seven Great Temples of ancient Nara.

While less visited than the famous Todai-ji, Gango-ji’s significance is just as profound. Its roof tiles are Japan’s oldest, dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries, and some were even transported from the original temple in Asuka. These tiles are designated Important Cultural Properties and are visible in the temple’s main hall, which has stood quietly for over 1,000 years.

Now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara,” Gango-ji invites travelers to slow down and appreciate the subtle, enduring legacy of early Japanese Buddhism. The modest temple grounds, mossy stone paths, and preserved architecture provide a timeless contrast to the grandeur of Nara’s larger temples.

If you’re seeking an intimate, authentic glimpse of Japan’s religious history, Gango-ji is a must-visit.

Explore the Sights

See photos that bring Gango-ji Temple to life.

Traditional Japanese temple gate with wooden architecture and stone pillar, surrounded by trees and a gravel path, under a partly cloudy sky.
A traditional Japanese wooden temple with a tiled roof and open veranda, under a partly cloudy sky.
A Japanese garden with numerous small stone pagodas lining a gravel path, trees with autumn foliage in shades of yellow, red, and orange, and a cloudy sky overhead.
A serene Japanese temple garden with a wooden walkway on the right, manicured grass and trees with autumn-colored leaves, stone lantern and stones on the left, under a cloudy sky.
Traditional Japanese-style building with tiled sloped roofs and wooden support beams, under a cloudy sky.
Pathway lined with stone markers leading to traditional Japanese buildings, surrounded by autumn trees with red and yellow leaves.
A traditional Japanese wooden building with a tiled roof is partially obscured by a tree with red and orange autumn leaves, in a garden setting.
A small Japanese shrine with a moss-covered roof, flanked by two red wooden lanterns, in a garden surrounded by trees and plants with fallen leaves.
A small wooden shrine with a moss-covered roof, decorated with a braided sacred rope and bells, surrounded by green and brown leaves.
Collection of historic stone memorials and tablets with Japanese inscriptions, surrounded by moss and greenery.
Traditional Japanese wooden building with a tiled roof, surrounded by autumn trees with orange and yellow leaves, and a stone lantern on the right.
A traditional Japanese wooden building with sliding doors, a tiled roof, and a platform with wooden steps.
A winding gravel path in a Japanese garden, lined with small stone statues and lanterns, surrounded by trees with autumn leaves.
Row of weathered stone grave markers in a cemetery, with some markers featuring carved faces or symbols. In the background, a large carved stone monument, trees with fall foliage, a small lamp post, and a building are visible.
A bamboo water fountain with flowing water, surrounded by lush green plants and flowers.
Traditional Japanese room with low wooden tables, tatami mats, and cushions for seating, featuring shoji sliding doors and warm lighting.
A Japanese garden with autumn red maple trees, moss-covered ground, a stone lantern, and a wooden walkway.
A traditional Japanese building with a tiled roof and wooden walls, surrounded by a garden with stone statues and a small lantern, under a partly cloudy sky.
Close-up of red and orange maple leaves on a tree branch with a traditional tiled roof and blue sky in the background.
A black metal bell hanging from a wooden structure inside a building with wooden beams and latticework.