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).
It feels like finding a bit of peace and quiet in the middle of the city.
It’s not overly commercialized, so it feels more authentic.





