Gangō-ji

元興寺

It was considered to be one of the seven most important temples in Nara when Nara was the nation's capital. The original temple burned down in the 18th century, but the architectural style remains true to the original, with its unique Korean-style roof. The mandala within the temple is one of the most famous in the nation. Around the outside of the temple there are many Buddhist statues, but perhaps more interesting are the various demon statues scattered about among them. While the Buddhist statues are quite typical and obviously religious, the demon statues are comical and seem out-of-place. Some even appear sacrilegious, with a demon doing Zen meditation among the Buddhist statues and another in a rather erotic centerfold-like pose. There is a story that supposedly associates the demons with the temple. For visitors, it is fun to try to spot them all.

Address

11 Chuin-chō

Getting there

in Nara-machi, near Kofuku-ji

Hours

Closed · opens 9 am

Weekly hours

Mon	9 am–5 pm
Tue	9 am–5 pm
Wed	9 am–5 pm
Thu	9 am–5 pm
Fri	9 am–5 pm
Sat	9 am–5 pm
Sun	9 am–5 pm

Price

¥400

Website

gangoji.or.jp (opens in a new tab)