Taimadera Temple

Taimadera is a temple in Taima, Katsuragi, Nara Prefecture, where the Shingon and Jodo schools exist side by side. It stands at the foot of Mt. Nijo on the western edge of the Nara Basin, beside the border with Osaka. The temple is estimated to have been founded in the late 7th century as the family temple of the Taima clan. In 1005 the monk Genshin held a welcoming ritual that is considered the origin of today's Neriku-ye ceremony. The main hall (Mandara-do) is a National Treasure, and the East and West Pagodas are both National Treasure three-story pagodas. The Golden Hall holds a clay statue of Maitreya, one of the oldest of its kind in Japan. The Taima Mandala, a depiction of Amida's Pure Land, is linked to the legend of Princess Chujo. The subtemple Nakanobo has a garden designated as a national historic site and place of scenic beauty, and the temple is also known for its peony gardens. It is about 15 minutes on foot from Taimadera Station; check fees and hours with the temple before visiting.