Can I take photos inside the temple?

Yes, photography is allowed inside the temple and its grounds.

Is there a dress code for entering the temple?

There is no specific dress code, but visitors are expected to dress modestly as a sign of respect for the sacred place.

Are there any guided tours available?

Yes, guided tours in English are available upon request for a small fee.

Can I attend Buddhist ceremonies at the temple?

Yes, visitors are welcome to participate in annual ceremonies and rituals at the temple.

Is there parking available?

Yes, paid parking is available near the temple entrance. However, it can get crowded during peak hours, so public transportation is recommended.

A large bonsai tree stands on rocks in front of a traditional Japanese building with a green-tiled roof under a clear blue sky.

A large incense burner filled with sand is in the foreground, with incense sticks standing in it. In the background is a traditional Japanese temple gate, and trees and buildings under a blue sky with clouds.

A traditional Japanese temple gate stands under a clear blue sky, with sunlight shining through the roof’s corner, casting long shadows on the ground. Trees and buildings are visible in the background.

Four stone statues wearing red hats and yellow bibs sit on stone platforms, surrounded by lush green trees and plants. Flowers and small cups are placed at the statues’ bases as offerings.

A close-up view of a traditional Japanese five-story pagoda with dark wooden eaves and a golden finial, set against a clear blue sky.

Kakuōzan Nittai-ji

4.2 (2142)Buddhist TempleTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Nestled in the heart of Nagoya, the Kakuōzan Nittai-ji Temple stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between Japan and Thailand. Established in 1904, this unique Buddhist temple was built to house the sacred ashes of Buddha, gifted by the Thai King Chulalongkorn.

The temple's striking architecture, blending Japanese and Thai elements, is a visual feast. It features a five-story pagoda, a gold-bronze Buddha statue, and lush temple grounds that offer a serene retreat from the bustling city.

Kakuōzan Nittai-ji is not affiliated with any particular Buddhist sect and symbolizes unity and peace. Visitors can explore its beautifully manicured gardens, admire the intricate details of the temple buildings, and attend the vibrant flea market held on the 21st of each month.

The temple also hosts yearly festivals, providing a deeper insight into Buddhist traditions and Japanese culture. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Kakuōzan Nittai-ji Temple invites you to experience its tranquil beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the harmony of this extraordinary sanctuary.

Hours

5:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Closed

No closing days

Available

All year

Minimum Age

All ages are welcome

Admission Fee

Free

Kakuōzan Nittai-ji

4.2 (2142)Buddhist TempleTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the harmony of this extraordinary sanctuary.

Hours

5:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Closed

No closing days

Available

All year

Minimum Age

All ages are welcome

Admission Fee

Free

What other travelers are saying about Kakuōzan Nittai-ji

A lovely Buddhist Temple, nestled at the end of a cozy little street in Kakuozan. You can shop and eat your way to the entrance, as you take a short meander from the Kakuozan station. Once you arrive, you will be greeted by two tall smiley guardians that look like Aang from Avatar the Last Airbender. There is truly a striking resemblance. Once you pass through the threshold, you will be enveloped in a magical world with a giant pagoda, chanting monks, burning incense, and a dragon shooting a tiny stream of water (not fire) from its mouth. If you are lucky, you will get to hear the monks strike the gong. The temple occasionally hosts a tiny market in the southwest corner on Sundays. They also host a street market with food, clothing, and produce on the 21st of every month. Definitely a must go if you are in Nagoya.

Nicholas Conner

Feb 16, 2026

Nittaiji, located in the Kakuōzan district of Nagoya, was founded in 1904 to enshrine a relic (the ashes) of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) that had been discovered in northern India in 1898. These relics were donated to the Kingdom of Thailand and in 1900 offered to Japan by Chulalongkorn (King Rama V of Thailand). In gratitude and symbolising Japan–Thailand friendship, the temple was created as a non-sectarian Buddhist institution (a rare format in Japan) and named combining the characters for “Japan” (日) and “Thailand” (泰).

The temple ground is quite big, though there are only a few temple buildings. Compared to the Kōshō-ji temple, this Kakuo-zan Nittai-ji temple is grander and polished, it is more curated (and manicured, if I may). I personally like the Kōshō-ji temple as it is more intimate. The one cool thing about this temple is that if you want to get a fortune slip, there's a capsule toy machine where you can put 100 yen inside to do so, which is quite an unique experience.

I went with my partner. she is japanese and showed me his to do. bow are the main shrine entrance take some incent on your body to transform the bas in good. clean your hands. there is a specific way. go to the pain building, put some money (5 to 100 yen) and bow twice clap twice make a wish and propose something in return. bow go without looking back. not sure about the all thing. ask ChatGPT 🥹

The Temple is unique in East Asian nations, especially in Japan, because the Temple was built with significant inputs and efforts of the Thai or Southern Buddhist sects and Thai government. The difference of the Temple from other Japanese temples can be easily seen in its pagoda top, worship hall, and putti trees in front of the worship halls. The Temple has large parking lot for the worshippers and visitors. The access for the Temple is free and parking is also free.

Kakuōzan Nittai-ji

Hours

Closed

Available

Minimum Age

Admission Fee

Kakuōzan Nittai-ji

Hours

Closed

Available

Minimum Age

Admission Fee

The area

Hours

Phone

Website

Top ways to experience Kakuōzan Nittai-ji

What other travelers are saying about Kakuōzan Nittai-ji

Nearby attractions to see

Tōgan-ji Temple

Higashiyama Botanical Garden

Tokugawa Garden

Nearby attractions to see

Tōgan-ji Temple

Higashiyama Botanical Garden

Tokugawa Garden

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