What other travelers are saying about Hannyaji Temple
In spite of the weekday today, Nara deer Park was crowded with inbound tourers.
Hannya-ji temple is not so large scale compared with, let's say, Todai-ji temple, motor parking place was well maintained to accept enough if it is not holiday.
As for cosmos flowers, yes, all of them are at thier best now!
Shooting location, position and angle was acceptable to spend 1 to 2 hours, worth visiting.
Basically, Nara city has not flashiness and liveliness compared with Kyoto, instead of calm and quiet atmospheric surroundings.
This small temple is also famous for its flowers, including cosmos.
Highlights include the Kamakura-era architectural tower gate (a National Treasure) and the thirteen-stone pagoda, second only to Uji's Ukishima Island in height.
I was touched by the sight of the Jizo statues, decorated with countless cosmos flowers swaying in the autumn breeze.
During flower season, the temple attracts quite a few visitors, with many sharing the space to take photos.
The grounds are well-maintained, making for a pleasant stroll.
There are several types of goshuin stamps to choose from, including limited-time stamps.
It's just over a 30-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.
We recommend taking a leisurely stroll to visit sites such as Nara Women's University, the Saho River, the tombs of Emperor Shomu and Empress Komyo, the ruins of Tamon Castle, the former Nara Prison, and Uemura Ranch.
Hannyaji Temple is most famous for its spectacular cosmos flower displays, which have given it the nickname "Cosmos Temple." Every autumn, approximately 150,000 cosmos flowers bloom across the temple grounds, creating one of the most impressive floral displays in the Kansai region. The temple is also historically significant as a 1,200-year-old Shingon Buddhist site founded in 747 CE.
The best time to visit is during the cosmos blooming season in September and October, when the flower fields are at their peak. This autumn period offers the most visually stunning experience with pink, white, and crimson flowers covering the grounds. However, the temple remains open year-round for those interested in its religious and historical aspects.
From Nara Station, take the Kintetsu Nara Line to Gakuenmae Station, then board a local bus bound for Hannyaji. The total journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi directly from central Nara, which reaches the temple in about 25 minutes. The temple is located roughly 16 kilometers northwest of central Nara.
Admission to Hannyaji Temple costs 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for children. If you're driving, there is a parking area available with fees of 500 yen per day. These modest fees help maintain the temple grounds and seasonal flower displays.
Beyond the cosmos fields, you can explore the traditional temple architecture, walk among stone lanterns along the approach paths, and visit the main hall with its Buddhist statuary. The temple maintains a small museum displaying religious artifacts and historical documents. You can also purchase traditional fortune papers and religious amulets at the temple office, or simply enjoy the mountain views and peaceful atmosphere for meditation and contemplative walks.
