Kawahara-dera Temple

A Forgotten Giant of Early Japanese Buddhism

Tucked away in the serene landscape of Asuka Village in Nara Prefecture, Kawahara-dera may not be as well-known as Asuka-dera or Horyu-ji—but in ancient Japan, it was one of the largest and most influential Buddhist temples. Established in the 7th century, this grand temple complex was believed to rival even the capital’s major temples in both scale and significance. Though only foundations and relics remain today, they offer powerful insight into the architectural ambition and spiritual devotion of early Japanese Buddhism.

The site is also deeply linked to Prince Naka no Oe and Empress Saimei, making it a place of both political and religious importance. For travelers interested in archaeology, hidden history, or Japan’s spiritual roots, Kawahara-dera invites quiet reflection among ancient stones, where legends once shaped the nation’s path.

Come explore a sacred site that whispers of Japan’s forgotten golden age.

Explore the Sights

See photos that bring Kawahara-dera Temple to life.

A rural scene with traditional Japanese-style buildings, a tree on the left, green hills in the background, and a pathway leading towards the buildings.
Traditional Japanese temple entrance with a stone sign, wooden gate, tiled roof, and surrounding greenery
Traditional Japanese building with wooden accents, tiled roof, and a large beacon in front, set against a blue sky with some clouds.
Traditional Japanese building with wooden and white walls, tiled roof, and a bell hanging from the roof edge, under a blue sky with a few clouds.
A traditional Japanese wooden temple with a tiled roof, situated outdoors with trees and a mountain in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Five decorative Japanese ogre masks arranged on a lattice fence outside a building with a wooden deck and white walls.
A large, dark gray stone with carved symbols or inscriptions on its surface, placed on white gravel. Next to it is a black informational plaque with Japanese text explaining the historical significance of the site.
A traditional Japanese garden featuring a stone pagoda sculpture at the center, surrounded by manicured greenery and trees. There is a wooden building with a porch in the background, and a person is visible in the distance. The ground is covered with
A paved pathway in a grassy field leads towards green trees and mountains in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
Outdoor scene with a stone staircase leading up to a grassy area, trees in the background, and a cloudy sky.