Akishino Temple is off of the normal tourist path. It is a lovely, small, quiet temple with an impressive moss garden. It is only about a kilometer from Saidaiji Station, on the west side of Nara City.
A lovely off-the-beaten-path spot. Well kept grounds, beautiful moss-filled ‘forest’, and impressive historic Buddhist statues in the main hall. No English signs or pamphlet.
The temple was closed when I came, but that gave me a chance to enjoy the grounds in peace and quiet. There was serenity to that and I’ll be coming back.
Good green
I visited in early March 2026, my first visit in 30 years.
It's located deep in a quiet residential area on the outskirts of Nara City. Free parking is available on the grounds north of the east gate, which is very much appreciated.
My visit was on a Saturday morning, not yet peak season, so the grounds were very quiet and peaceful. The moss-covered garden was well-maintained, and I was able to leisurely stroll along the path from the east gate to the main hall.
Admission is 500 yen, and a small explanatory leaflet is provided.
The main hall enshrines several Buddha statues, centered around the principal image. Of course, the famous Art and Craftsman statue is still there. There were benches available, so I was able to relax and admire the view after praying.
I remember my last visit being my first domestic trip shortly after getting married, and it brought back memories of the many years that have passed since then, both at work and at home, and I felt a sense of nostalgia. While the temple and the Buddhas have remained unchanged, I found myself feeling sentimental, reflecting on the short and fleeting life of an ordinary person.
The bustle of central Nara is nice, but Akishino-dera Temple is a very charming place where you can spend some quiet time with the beautiful Gigei Ten. I would like to visit again, perhaps during the autumn foliage season.
