Chuguji Temple

Chūgū-ji Temple, also known as Ikaruga Palace, is a nunnery associated with Prince Shōtoku, located in Ikaruga Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture, adjacent to Hōryū-ji Temple. Its principal image, the Bosatsu Hankashiyui statue (National Treasure), dates to the late Asuka period and is considered one of the world’s three great "smiling" statues, alongside the Mona Lisa and the Sphinx. With the right leg placed over the left knee and the fingers of the right hand poised near the cheek, the figure is graceful and dignified; the philosopher Tetsurō Watsuji, author of "Pilgrimage to Ancient Temples," also praised it highly. Access is about a 15-minute walk from JR Hōryūji Station, or about 4 minutes by bus to "Chūgūji-mae," followed by a 5-minute walk. The temple is also known for having owned the National Treasure "Tenshukoku Shūchō" embroidery fragments, currently deposited with the Nara National Museum; what is displayed at Chūgū-ji is a replica. The "Tenshukoku Shūchō" was embroidered after Prince Shōtoku’s death to commemorate him and depict the realm of Tenshukoku. Although only part of it survives, its vivid colors remain an invaluable resource for understanding 7th-century dyeing techniques. Be sure to see both National Treasures.