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Nara temples and shrines

Nara

Nara is the capital of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. It served as Japan’s first permanent capital at Heijō-kyō from 710 to 784, giving its name to the Nara period (710–794). The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, which include temples, shrines, and palace ruins, were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. Tōdai-ji temple houses the Great Buddha and one of the world’s largest wooden halls. Kōfuku-ji is noted for its five-story pagoda, while Kasuga Taisha and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest reflect ancient Shinto worship. The Heijō Palace Site offers reconstructed state halls and a museum. Nara Park links major landmarks and is known for protected free-roaming deer, and the Nara National Museum showcases Buddhist art.

3 sacred sites
2 temples
1 shrine

Explore Nara with Goshuin Atlas

Download our app to discover all temples and shrines in Nara, collect goshuin stamps, and plan your cultural journey with offline maps and real-time information.

Download Goshuin Atlas on the App Store - Free temple finder app for Japan
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Frequently Asked Questions

How many temples and shrines are in Nara?
Nara has 3 temples and shrines where you can collect goshuin stamps. The city offers a diverse mix of both Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, each with unique cultural and historical significance. Download Goshuin Atlas to discover all sacred sites with offline maps and detailed visiting information.
What is the best way to visit temples in Nara?
The best way to visit temples in Nara is to plan your route using Goshuin Atlas. Group nearby temples together to minimize travel time, visit early morning (9-10 AM) to avoid crowds, and allow 30-45 minutes per temple. Our free app provides offline maps, goshuin desk hours, and optimal routes for efficient temple hopping.
Can I collect goshuin at all temples in Nara?
Most major temples and shrines in Nara offer goshuin stamps, but availability varies. Some temples only provide goshuin during specific hours (typically 9 AM - 4:30 PM), while others may be closed on certain days. Goshuin Atlas shows real-time availability, desk hours, and prices (usually ¥300-500) for each location.
What is the most famous temple in Nara?
While Nara has many renowned temples, you can explore all of them ranked by popularity and cultural significance in Goshuin Atlas. Each temple offers unique goshuin designs, architectural styles, and historical importance. Download the app to discover must-visit temples with detailed descriptions, photos, and visitor reviews.
How much does it cost to collect goshuin in Nara?
Goshuin stamps in Nara typically cost ¥300-500 per stamp, with some special or elaborate designs ranging ¥500-1000. Temple entrance fees are often free or ¥200-500. For a full day visiting 5-7 temples, budget approximately ¥2,500-4,000 for goshuin plus ¥1,000-2,000 for transportation. Goshuin Atlas shows exact prices for each location.

Plan Your Nara Temple Journey

Get detailed information, offline maps, goshuin collection tracking, and personalized recommendations for your visit to Nara.

Download Goshuin Atlas on the App Store - Free temple finder app for Japan