🗺️ Gango-ji元興寺

The predecessor of Gango-ji was Asuka-dera in Asuka Village, built at the end of the 6th century by Soga no Umako, making it the oldest orthodox Buddhist temple in Japan. Later, with the relocation of the capital to Heijō-kyō, it was moved into the city and renamed Gango-ji. During the Nara period, it thrived and was listed as one of the Seven Great Temples of Nanto, but it gradually declined in the late Heian period. However, in the medieval period, the faith centered around the Jikō Mandara, associated with Pure Land Buddhism, experienced a revival. Gango-ji is one of the eight assets of "Cultural Properties of the Ancient Capital of Nara," with the old monk's quarters, the Gokurakudō (Main Hall of Gokuraku) and the Zen Room (Zen Room of Gokuraku) registered as World Cultural Heritage sites. Some of the roofs still retain tiles that were moved from Asuka-dera, conveying the appearance of that time. Other treasures include the five-story pagoda designated as a national treasure, the East Gate designated as an important cultural property, the Jikō Mandara made during the Muromachi period, the wooden statue of Amida Nyorai from the Heian period, and the wooden statue of Prince Shōtoku, among many others. Throughout the year, various festival activities are held, such as the "Setsubun" in February and the "Jizō-e" in August, making it a center of faith for the local community to this day.

A famous temple with a long history of 1,300 years. It is one of the eight assets of the "Cultural Properties of Ancient Nara" and is also registered as a World Cultural Heritage site. It houses numerous national treasures and important cultural properties.