Gangoji Temple

Its predecessor was Asukadera Temple, the oldest full-fledged Buddhist temple in Japan, which was opened in Asuka Village by Soga Umako at the end of the 6th century. Later, with the relocation of the capital to Heijo-kyo, it was moved within the Heijo-kyo Capital and its name was changed to Gangoji Temple. During the Nara period (710-794), the temple developed to the extent that it was counted as one of the seven major temples in the southern capital, but it gradually declined from the mid-Heian period (794-1185). However, since the Middle Ages, the temple has once again developed through the belief in the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, centering on the Chikou Mandala.

As one of the "Cultural Properties of Ancient Nara" consisting of eight properties, the Gokurakubo-Hondo (Gokurakubo-Hondo) and the Zen Room (Gokurakubo-Zenshitsu), which are former monastery buildings, are registered as World Cultural Heritage sites. Some of the roof tiles transferred from Asukadera Temple are still in existence, conveying the atmosphere of the past. The temple also houses many other temple treasures, including the "Five‐Storied Pagoda" designated as a National Treasure, the "East Gate" designated as a National Important Cultural Property, the "Chikou Mandala" created in the Muromachi Period, the "Seated Wooden Amida Nyorai Statue" from the Heian Period, and the "Standing Wooden Statue of Prince Shotoku".

Various events are held throughout the year, including a "Setsubun-kai" in February and a "Jizo-kai" in August, and the temple continues to attract the faith of local residents to this day.