Asukadera
temple
飛鳥寺
Visit to see one of Japan's most ancient Buddha images and explore the history of this once-huge temple complex.
Asuka-dera holds the distinction of being Japan's first full-scale Buddhist temple, originally founded in 596 during the reign of Empress Suiko. Its greatest treasure is the Great Buddha (Asuka Daibutsu), a bronze statue cast in 609 that is considered the oldest known Buddha image in Japan. The current buildings are modest reconstructions, a fraction of the enormous complex that once stood here, but the quiet setting among rice paddies preserves a sense of deep antiquity. Paired with a bicycle tour of the surrounding Asuka historical area, it offers a tangible connection to the very beginnings of Japanese Buddhism and statecraft.
Remove shoes before entering any hall. Look for a shoe rack at the entrance. Carry a plastic bag for your shoes if none is provided.
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