Overview
This is the successor of Asuka-dera (Hoko-ji), Japan's first true temple, founded by Soga no Umako in the late 6th century and relocated with the capital; its precincts once covered all of today's Naramachi. The surviving Gokurakubo hall and meditation hall still carry patches of Japan's oldest roof tiles, fired by Baekje-lineage craftsmen in the Asuka period — spot them by their mottled red-black tones. Ranks of small stone Buddhas and stupas, framed by bush clover in autumn, give the grounds a humble beauty. Come for 1,400 years of quiet depth, then drift straight into Naramachi.
💰 Tickets
JPY 500 (adults), JPY 300 (junior/senior high), JPY 100 (elementary); more during special exhibitions.
🎟️ Check ticket prices →Opening Hours
9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30)
🚇 Getting there
About 12 minutes on foot from Kintetsu-Nara, in the heart of Naramachi.
⏱️ How long to visit
About 30-45 minutes.
🌅 Best time to visit
Mid-to-late September, when bush clover blooms among the stone Buddhas, and quiet weekday afternoons.
Travel Tips
Look for the differently colored ancient tiles on the hall's west roof slope. Pairs naturally with Naramachi's Koshi-no-Ie.
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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 Gango-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.