Hasedera

Hasedera Temple is the head temple of the Buzan school of Shingon Buddhism, located in Hase, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. It is also known as the eighth temple of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage and is called the "Temple of Flowers" thanks to its seasonal beauty, including cherry blossoms, peonies, hydrangeas, and autumn foliage. Access to Hasedera is about a 15-minute walk from Hasedera Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line, or about a 10-minute walk from the Hasedera Sando-guchi bus stop after taking a Nara Kotsu bus from Sakurai Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line or JR Manyo Mahoroba Line. The temple appears in many classical literary works such as "The Pillow Book," "The Tale of Genji," and "The Sarashina Diary." It houses numerous cultural treasures, including the National Treasure stage-style main hall and bronze reliefs depicting scenes from the Lotus Sutra. The principal image, an Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva, is believed to grant blessings for good relationships. About 60 monks reside at the temple, giving it a reputation as a living temple filled with chanting. Mount Hase, where the temple is located, has long been famous for peonies, with about 7,000 peony plants in full bloom in spring. The approach to the temple is lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, confectionery stores, and inns, adding to the enjoyment of a visit.