Overview
Said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku for his mother, this nunnery adjoins Horyu-ji's Yumedono. One statue justifies the visit: the National Treasure Miroku Bosatsu, a lustrous black camphor-wood figure seated half-cross-legged, fingertips brushing its cheek, wearing the quintessential archaic smile. Its uncanny resemblance to Korea's gilt-bronze pensive Bodhisattva makes ancient Korea-Japan exchange feel tangible. The modern pond-set main hall by Isoya Yoshida and a reproduction of the Asuka-era Tenjukoku embroidery round out a small but dense visit.
💰 Tickets
JPY 600 (adults), JPY 450 (junior/senior high), JPY 300 (elementary); discounted with a Horyu-ji ticket.
🎟️ Check ticket prices →Opening Hours
9:00-16:30 (until 16:00 October to mid-March)
🚇 Getting there
Directly beside Horyu-ji's Yumedono via the connecting gate; about 20 minutes on foot from JR Horyuji Station.
⏱️ How long to visit
About 30 minutes.
🌅 Best time to visit
Best as the final stop of a Horyu-ji visit — mind the early closing time.
Travel Tips
Admission is separate from the Horyu-ji ticket. Since you're already at the Eastern Precinct, the extra 15-20 minutes is well spent — compare it with Korea's pensive Bodhisattva in the National Museum of Korea.
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🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Nara, Japan from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for Japan on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Nara on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.
Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in Nara with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Nara 한인" before you go.
Attractions near Chugu-ji
Tap a pin on the map to jump to that attraction.
Things to Do in Nara
Deer Feeding in Nara Park
Buy shika-senbei and feed the bowing deer — the essential Nara experience. Morning deer are gentlest for first-timers.
Kimono Rental Stroll
Rent a kimono and wander the park, temples and Naramachi lanes — kimono photos with deer are a Nara exclusive.
Naramachi Lanes & Machiya Tour
Stroll the latticed machiya lanes hung with charm monkeys, linking Koshi-no-Ie, Gango-ji and craft cafes in the old quarter.