Visit Nara

High above the town of Koriyama, this temple complex was founded in 679 after Emperor Tenmu fled here during a civil war and prayed for victory. The best way to reach Yatadera Temple is by bus from Yamato Koriyama station; it’s the last stop. In June and July, the whole area becomes very lively with tourists and street stalls, as people visit to see the 10,000 hydrangea bushes in bloom.

After walking up several winding flights of stairs bounded by red-capped Jizo statues, you come to a wide stone avenue, flanked by tachu or sub-temples, which used to serve as housing for the monks. Now, they offer tea and vegetarian meals in peak season, along with activities like sutra copying.

Straight ahead lies the main hall with an attractive wooden belfry in front. The gardens and pond surrounding the temple are beautiful throughout the year. The famous monk Kobo Daishi (774 - 835) studied here and there is a hiking path behind the main hall, a miniature version (4.5km) of the famous 88 temple Kobo Daishi pilgrimage around the island of Shikoku.

In the area, you can also visit the ruins of Koriyama Castle and Jikoin, a beautiful Zen temple dedicated to tea ceremony. The whole area is close to Nara City, making it an easy day trip.