Buddhist art that bloomed in seclusion
Built in the 8th century
室生寺
A temple in a deep mountain valley. A building from centuries past, surrounded on all sides by unspoiled nature. The temple escape war damage due to its remote location, and its buildings and statues of Buddha remain unchanged. Many of them are national treasures. On arriving here, the renowned photographer Ken Domon stated that "this is Japan." Walk slowly through the forest, soaking in the forest itself.
There are three national treasures and six important cultural properties located here. Most are from the 8th century. These statues of Buddha were particularly beloved by Ken Domon (1909-1990) during his photography of Buddhist statuary.
Climb the 400 stone steps among the forest's huge trees to reach the Oku-no-In. The path is steep but wondrous, so don’t forget to visit here!
![Kintetsu Sakurai Station → (Express [Kyukou] bound for Nabari / Isuzugawa 17 minutes) → Muroguchi-Ono Station → (Nara Kotsu Bus No.43 bound for Murouji 20 minutes) → Murouji Mae (last stop), 5 minutes after disembarking](/section/yamato-travel/assets/images/destination/area04/spot01/murouji_access.png)
Enormous cliff-carved statue
Constructed in 681
大野寺
A beautiful temple beside the Udagawa river. The temple features two splendid weeping cherry trees that are approximately 300 years old, and many tourists visit during the cherry blossom season.
The massive Buddha can be seen across the river from the temple. An alcove was dug into a stone 33m in height, and the Miroku Magaibutsu statue was carved there. Height 13.8m. One can see it very clearly when the sunset hits.
![Kintetsu Sakurai Station → (Express [Kyukou] bound for Nabari / Isuzugawa 17 minutes Fare ) → Muroguchi-Ono Station → (5 minutes on foot) → Onoji Temple](/section/yamato-travel/assets/images/destination/area04/spot01/onoji_access.png)