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Nyoirinji Temple

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Nyoirinji Temple

A temple associated with the Southern Court that is also popular as a quieter cherry blossom viewing spot.

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Nyoirinji is a Jodo Buddhist temple on Mount Yoshino. The temple has deep ties to the Southern Court and became an imperial temple of Emperor Go-Daigo during the Northern and Southern Courts period, from the mid- to late 14th century. The grounds include the mausoleum of Emperor Go-Daigo and the tomb of Prince Yoyoshi. The Emperor Go-Daigo Memorial Service is held each year on September 27, the anniversary of his death according to the traditional lunar calendar. On this day, visitors may enter the main hall, which is normally closed to the public.

Kusunoki Masatsura, the son of Kusunoki Masashige and one of the leading military commanders of the Northern and Southern Courts period, is said to have visited the temple with his family and retainers before leaving for the Battle of Shijonawate. The farewell poem he reportedly carved into the door of the main hall with an arrow can still be seen today. The temple grounds also feature statues of Masashige and Masatsura, as well as a mokkoku tree planted by Masatsura himself, making the temple well worth visiting even for those who are not history enthusiasts.

Because the temple is separated by a valley from the area where many tourist attractions and shops are located, it is known as a relatively peaceful place to take in the scenery, even during cherry blossom season. The shoin hall in the garden offers a sweeping view of the cherry trees in full bloom across the Naka Senbon area. From late March to early April, the garden’s weeping cherry tree is also a highlight, creating a picturesque scene alongside the two-story tahoto pagoda.

Highlights

  • A Jodo Buddhist temple on Mount Yoshino with deep ties to the Southern Court.
  • Home to the mausoleum of Emperor Go-Daigo, with a memorial service held on the anniversary of his death according to the traditional lunar calendar.
  • Features statues of Kusunoki Masashige and Masatsura, as well as a tree planted by Masatsura himself.
  • Offers views of the Naka Senbon cherry trees from the shoin hall on the temple grounds.

Photos

  • The Emperor Go-Daigo Memorial Service is held each year on September 27

    The Emperor Go-Daigo Memorial Service is held each year on September 27

  • Views of cherry trees in full bloom from the temple grounds in spring

    Views of cherry trees in full bloom from the temple grounds in spring

  • The tahoto pagoda, built entirely of Japanese cypress

    The tahoto pagoda, built entirely of Japanese cypress

  • The temple gate was nearly burned during the separation of Shinto and Buddhism, and scorch marks remain today

    The temple gate was nearly burned during the separation of Shinto and Buddhism, and scorch marks remain today

  • The treasure hall displays objects associated with Emperor Go-Daigo and other artifacts

    The treasure hall displays objects associated with Emperor Go-Daigo and other artifacts

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available on the grounds?
A

Yes.

Q

Are goshuin temple stamps available?
A

Yes.

Q

Is parking available?
A

Yes.

Reviews

2

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 王小鈞
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    Nyoirinji Temple is also known as the “Frog Temple,” and you’ll find cute frog decorations all around the grounds. It feels playful and soothing at the same time.
    Walking through the temple feels like entering a frog kingdom. It’s not only great for photos, but also leaves you with a warm, happy feeling and lots of good vibes!

  • Mei Xu
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    Nyoirinji Temple has a history spanning several centuries, and there are many valuable cultural artifacts and ancient buildings preserved within the temple grounds.

Details

Name in Japanese
如意輪寺
Postal Code
639-3115
Address
1024 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture
Phone
0746-32-3008
Closed on
Irregular closures
Hours
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. during cherry blossom season
Admission
Adults: ¥600; elementary, junior high, and high school students: ¥200
Access
7 minutes by taxi from Yoshino Station on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa