A journey to meet Nun Zenshin-ni

Tachibanadera Temple

The propagation of Buddhism, to which Zenshin-ni devoted herself, led to the construction of a great number of temples. This is one of seven temples built by Prince Umayato (posthumously known as Prince Shotoku). When it was first built, it boasted a grand temple compound layout in the Shitennoji style, in which the pagoda, main hall, and other buildings were laid out in a straight line in the middle. The Nihon Shoki chronicles record that there was a fire at Tachibanadera in 680, which means the temple dated from that year at the latest. Tachibanadera suffered many more fires after that, in particular during the Muromachi Period (14th century–16th century) and beyond. The temple grounds we see today date from the Edo Period (17th century–19th century). The stone foundation of the pagoda’s central pillar has a flower-shaped hole and is a must-see. This temple is also known for its Nimenseki (dual-faced stone)—an ancient stone monument depicting the human duality of good and evil. Also of note is Ojoin hall, which has a wooden ceiling painted with over 260 pictures of flowers.

Information

Address
532 Tachibana, Asuka-mura
Tel
0744-54-2026
Admission
350 yen
Hours
9:00–17:00 (enter by 16:30)
Access
3 min. walk from Kawahara or Oka-hashimoto stop on Akakame bus

PAGE TOP