Gangoji Temple

Also known as Gokurakubō, Gankō-ji Temple is one of the parent temples of Hokkō-ji Temple (now Asukadera Temple), the oldest full-fledged Buddhist temple in Japan, and was historically known as one of the seven great temples of the southern capital.

The main hall and Zen room, both built in the Nara period (710-794), are designated as national treasures, and the temple has many temple treasures, including the Chikko Mandala and the five-story small pagoda.

The temple is designated as a World Heritage Site as one of the eight properties of the “Cultural Properties of Ancient Nara.

The oldest full-fledged Buddhist temple in Japan, Hokoji Temple (now Asukadera Temple) was built in Asuka by Soga Umako at the end of the 6th century, and was relocated within the Heijo-kyo Capital when the capital was moved to Heijo-kyo.

During the Nara period, it was one of the great temples along with Todaiji and Kofukuji. After the Middle Ages, it declined and was divided into three temples, one of which is Genkoji Temple, formerly known as “Genkoji Gokurakubou.

The building (monks’ quarters) that housed the monks of Gonko-ji in the Heijo-kyo Capital during the Nara period (710-794) was converted into the main hall and Zen room during the Kamakura period (1192-1333). All other buildings were burned down and do not exist today.

The five-story small pagoda said to have been enshrined in the small pagoda-in temple during the Nara period (710-794) is a small pagoda about 5.5 meters high, but it is faithfully built without omitting even the internal structure, and is designated as a national treasure as a building.

Every year in March and September, the Ohigan memorial services are held, and various events such as the Setsubun Festival, Hana Matsuri (flower festival), and Kaeruishi Memorial Service are held. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal flowers.