Oka-dera Temple

Asuka’s Mountain Temple

of Healing and Ancient Majesty

Oka-dera Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Asuka Village, Nara, situated on the hillside east of the Asuka plain. Formally known as Ryugaiji, it is widely recognized as the seventh temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage and has long been associated with prayers for protection from misfortune. Historical tradition attributes its foundation to the monk Gien in the 7th century. The temple is especially noted for its principal image, a seated Nyoirin Kannon made of clay, which is designated an Important Cultural Property. Oka-dera is also valued for its setting: approaches through wooded slopes, views over the surrounding landscape, and seasonal flowers that shape the atmosphere of the precincts throughout the year. For visitors, the temple offers an introduction to both the religious culture of Asuka and the continuing role of pilgrimage, devotion, and landscape in Japanese Buddhist practice.

Explore the Sights

See photos that bring Oka-dera Temple to life.

Traditional Japanese temple gate with wooden structure, with a blue sky above and trees on the sides.
A tall glass of water with blue, red, and yellow marbles inside, partially filled with water and water pouring into it, with vibrant, multicolored reflections on the water surface.
A Japanese-style garden with various green bushes, trees, rocks, and a stone lantern. There are some trees with red and pink leaves, and a building is visible in the background.
Stone stairs leading up through a lush green garden with trees and bushes on both sides, under a clear blue sky.
A traditional Japanese shrine with a wooden structure and ornate roof, decorated with colorful banners. Visitors are seen walking and praying around the shrine on a clear, sunny day.
People waiting in line at the entrance of a traditional Japanese temple, with colorful banners hanging overhead and a clear blue sky in the background.
Traditional Japanese wooden temple surrounded by greenery, with a clear blue sky above.
A stone statue of a young Buddhist monk with closed eyes, wearing traditional robes, surrounded by red maple leaves in a garden setting.
Wooden balls with carvings hanging from pink strings on a tree branch with green leaves and red berries
View of a temple site with stone markers, lanterns, and a small shrine, surrounded by lush green trees and bushes, with a tall stone pagoda in the background, in a forested area.
Red torii gate at the entrance of a shrine pathway surrounded by lush green trees and vegetation.
A moss-covered stone statue of a meditating figure in a natural, outdoor setting with plants and rocks.
A small traditional Japanese shrine situated within a lush, green forest, accessed by stone steps and surrounded by trees and shrubs.
A small shrine or tunnel entrance built of stone and wood, located inside a cave or rocky area, with a Buddha statue illuminated inside at the back.
A carved stone Buddha statue inside a cave, illuminated by soft lighting, with a small potted plant nearby.
A moss-covered stone sculpture of a Buddha or deity in a lush green forest, surrounded by ferns and various leafy plants.
Various coins scattered on a weathered wooden surface with moss, fallen leaves, and two small ceramic vases, and a white mug in the background.
A stone pagoda surrounded by large tree trunks in a forest setting.
A traditional Japanese temple bell hanging inside a wooden structure with a large rope hanging down in front, surrounded by trees and other temple buildings.
A traditional Japanese temple decorated with colorful paper banners, viewed through tree branches.
Small pond surrounded by stone wall and wooden fence, with moss-covered stones and trees in the background.
A stone carving of a person holding a large straw hat, partially obscured by red and orange leaves from a plant