🕓 2024/12/22
#Sightseeing
A Detailed Guide to the History and Overview of Hase-dera Temple
Table of Contents
Introduction
Hase-dera Temple, located in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, is a special place where nature and Buddhist culture harmoniously blend together. Boasting a history of approximately 1,300 years, the temple has captivated countless pilgrims as the eighth temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, one of the 33 sacred sites dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.
Hase-dera Temple is not only a center of Buddhist faith but also a tourist destination where visitors can experience beautiful nature and cultural heritage. In this article, we will introduce the history and highlights of Hase-dera Temple in detail, conveying the full charm of this renowned temple.
What Is Hase-dera Temple?
Hase-dera Temple is the head temple of the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism, located in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, and is known as one of Japan’s most important Kannon pilgrimage sites. It is the eighth temple on the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, attracting many pilgrims and tourists. Its origins date back to ancient times, and it is a venerable temple with a history spanning over 1,300 years.
The founding of Hase-dera Temple dates back to the Nara period, during the reign of Emperor Tenmu (late 7th century). According to tradition, a monk named Domyo enshrined a statue of Kannon Bodhisattva as the principal deity and established the temple grounds. It is said that Emperor Tenmu prayed for national peace and prosperity, and the installation of a large Eleven-Headed Kannon statue led to the subsequent development of Hase-dera Temple.
The temple grounds are vast and surrounded by beautiful nature, with temple buildings arranged along the slopes leading from the approach path into the mountains. Particularly famous is the Nobori-ro (Covered Stairway), lined with vermilion-painted pillars. This covered stairway spans approximately 399 stone steps, and during the cherry blossom season in spring or the autumn foliage season, visitors can enjoy breathtaking scenery.
The main hall is designated as a National Treasure and features a stage-style architectural design. From the main hall, visitors can overlook the entire temple grounds and enjoy the changing scenery of each season. The principal deity enshrined within, the Eleven-Headed Kannon statue, is a wooden standing figure approximately 10 meters tall, making it one of the largest Buddhist statues in Japan. This Kannon statue is also the symbol of Hase-dera Temple, known as the “Temple of Flowers.”
Hase-dera Temple is also known as the “Temple of Flowers,” famous for the various flowers that bloom throughout the four seasons. Cherry blossoms and peonies grace the temple in spring, hydrangeas in summer, autumn foliage in fall, and snow-covered landscapes in winter, allowing visitors to experience the beautiful harmony of nature and Buddhism year-round. In particular, peonies are the signature flower of Hase-dera, with over 5,000 peony plants adorning the grounds. The annual “Peony Festival,” held from late April to May, attracts many tourists.
Hase-dera Temple is beloved by many as a special space where Japanese Buddhist culture and nature merge together. It is also a center of Kannon worship that receives the prayers of visitors, a place where people come seeking spiritual healing and peace of mind. Thanks to its historical value and beautiful scenery, the temple is popular among both domestic and international tourists.
History of Hase-dera Temple
Hase-dera Temple is the head temple of the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism, located in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, and is a renowned temple with over 1,300 years of history. From ancient times to the modern era, its history has been deeply intertwined with the development of Japanese Buddhism and culture. Below, we provide a detailed account of the temple’s history organized by major events.
1. 686 (First Year of Shucho): The Origins of Hase-dera Temple
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The founding of Hase-dera Temple dates back to 686, during the Asuka period. According to the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), a monk named Domyo carved an Eleven-Headed Kannon statue to pray for the recovery of Emperor Tenmu from illness and enshrined it at Mount Hatsuse. This Kannon statue was revered as the center of Kannon worship, receiving the prayers of the people, and laid the foundation for Hase-dera Temple.
2. 734 (Tenpyo 6): Full-Scale Development as a Temple
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During the Nara period, the monk Tokudo advanced the development of the temple. Around this time, the Eleven-Headed Kannon statue was reconstructed as the large Buddhist image that serves as the current principal deity. As the Tenpyo culture flourished, Hase-dera Temple became an important center of Buddhist art and faith, receiving generous patronage from the Imperial Court.
3. 987 (Kanna 3): Designated as a Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage Site
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During the mid-Heian period, as the Saigoku 33 Pilgrimage was established, Hase-dera Temple was designated as the eighth pilgrimage site. Around this time, Hase-dera became widely known as a center of Kannon worship, and many pilgrims began visiting the temple. Its status as a Kannon pilgrimage site continues to this day.
4. 1671 (Kanbun 11): Reconstruction of the Main Hall
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During the Edo period, Hase-dera Temple suffered from disasters such as fires, but under the patronage of the fifth Tokugawa Shogun, Tsunayoshi, the main hall was reconstructed. This reconstructed main hall became the prototype for the current main hall and is designated as an Important Cultural Property. The view from the stage-style main hall deeply impresses all who visit.
5. 1896 (Meiji 29): Religious Reform and Establishment of the Buzan Branch of Shingon Buddhism
*Illustrative image
During the Meiji era, the Shinbutsu Bunri (Separation of Shinto and Buddhism) decree was enacted, significantly impacting temples across the nation. Hase-dera was no exception, but during this period the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism was established, and Hase-dera Temple took on a new role as its head temple. This allowed Hase-dera Temple to once again flourish as a pillar of modern Buddhism.
Highlights of Hase-dera Temple
Hase-dera Temple is the head temple of the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism, located in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, and is a tourist attraction where beautiful nature and cultural properties blend harmoniously. Below, we introduce the major spots that you should definitely see when visiting.
■ Main Hall (National Treasure)
The main hall of Hase-dera Temple is a magnificent wooden structure rebuilt during the Edo period and is designated as a National Treasure. The building features a stage-style construction approximately 30 meters in length, employing the same technique used for the famous stage at Kiyomizu-dera Temple. From the stage, visitors can take in panoramic views of the temple grounds throughout the four seasons, and it is particularly known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage.
Enshrined in the center of the main hall is the “Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva,” one of the largest wooden Buddhist statues in Japan, measuring over 10 meters in height. This principal deity has been known since ancient times as the “Hidden Kannon” and is revealed to the public only during specific periods. The serene expression and powerful form of the statue captivate many visitors.
■ Nobori-ro (Covered Stairway)
The Nobori-ro leading to the main hall is one of the most iconic features of Hase-dera Temple. This stepped corridor stretches for a total length of 200 meters, with 399 stone steps continuing upward. The pillars and ceiling of the corridor are sheltered from wind and rain, and the gentle incline makes it easy to walk.
In spring, peonies bloom on both sides of the stone steps, and in autumn, vibrant foliage greets visitors, making it an ideal spot for photography. This corridor, where visitors can enjoy the changing scenery of each season as they ascend, provides a truly special experience for all who come.
■ Five-Story Pagoda
The Five-Story Pagoda of Hase-dera Temple is a relatively modern structure, built in 1980, but it captivates many visitors with its beautiful design and setting. This wooden structure stands approximately 31.4 meters tall and brings the traditional beauty of pagodas back to life in the modern era.
Beautiful flowers bloom around the pagoda with each season, and the harmonious landscape of the pagoda and nature deeply moves all who visit. While the interior of the pagoda is usually closed to the public, its exterior alone provides more than enough to appreciate its grandeur.
■ Great Lecture Hall (Dai-kodo)
Source: Kaigo Antenna
The Great Lecture Hall is a facility used for temple education and religious training, and is also open to general visitors. Inside, there are statues of Shaka Nyorai (Shakyamuni Buddha) and ceiling paintings, making it a building of great historical value.
Additionally, dharma talks and cultural lectures are held regularly within the lecture hall, providing opportunities to learn about Buddhist teachings. When visiting, it is worth checking the schedule to enjoy these special experiences.
■ Honbo Garden
The Honbo Garden of Hase-dera Temple is an elegant garden combining a dry landscape (karesansui) with a pond strolling garden. Visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn foliage in fall, and snow-covered landscapes in winter.
In particular, the reflections of trees in the central pond provide visitors with a sense of deep tranquility and healing. Within the garden, there is also a tea room where visitors can enjoy matcha tea and Japanese sweets while admiring the garden scenery.
■ Peony Garden
Hase-dera Temple is also known as the “Temple of Flowers,” and its spring peonies are particularly famous. With approximately 7,000 peony plants within the grounds, vivid blossoms burst into color from April to May. Peonies are regarded as a “symbol of wealth and nobility,” and many tourists visit to admire their beauty.
In addition to peonies, cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and autumn foliage bloom with each season, allowing visitors to enjoy beautiful nature throughout the year.
Summary
Hase-dera Temple is a temple brimming with charm woven from history and nature. Having marked approximately 1,300 years of time, this temple is known not only as a center of Buddhist faith but also as a tourist destination where visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of each season. The magnificent views from the main hall, the seasonal flowers adorning the covered stairway, the solemn Buddhist statues, and the historic temple buildings will soothe the hearts and deeply move all who visit.
When visiting Nara, be sure to make your way to Hase-dera Temple and experience its history and charm firsthand.