[Nara Prefecture] Abe Monjuin Temple, an ancient temple associated with Abe no Seimei and a famous cherry blossom spot

Abe Monjuin is an ancient temple that was founded over 1,300 years ago in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. The principal image of the temple is the Bodhisattva Manjusri, known for the proverb "Three heads come together to create the wisdom of Manjusri." The principal image of the temple is designated as a national treasure and is counted among the three great Manjusri of Japan. However, the temple is said to be connected to Abe no Nakamaro, a Japanese envoy to the Tang Dynasty, and Abe no Seimei, an onmyoji (a fortune teller). (Seimei Shrine is also enshrined here.) The Kinkaku Ukimido, which floats on the pond in the center of the temple grounds, is a sacred place where "Shichi Mairi" (a ritual to remove the seven misfortunes that may occur in a person's life) is performed, based on onmyodo. An admission fee is required. Another seasonal feature of spring is the depiction of the zodiac sign of the year drawn with flowers. For 2024, the "dragon" was depicted with pansies and other flowers. The Inari of Senbon Inari is also enshrined in the temple grounds, and the temple can be viewed from the observation deck at the top of the hill, making for a spectacular view during the spring cherry blossom season! Location: 645 Abe, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture Visiting hours: 9:00-17:00 Open all year round Free admission Parking is 500 yen per car only during cherry blossom viewing season Admission fee to the main hall (National Treasure Manjusri Bodhisattva statue): 700 yen for adults / 500 yen for elementary school students Admission fee to Kinkakuji Ukimido Reihokan: 700 yen for adults / 500 yen for elementary school students *Combined ticket for the main hall and Kinkakuji Ukimido is 1200 yen for adults #Seasonal places in Japan #Nara Prefecture #Famous cherry blossom spots #Spectacular views #Temples and shrines