Abe Monjuin

In Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, Abe Monjuin is one of the oldest temples in Japan, founded in the year 645 as the clan temple of the Abe family. Enshrining Monju Bosatsu, the Buddha of wisdom known from the saying that three heads together make the wisdom of Monju, it is counted as the foremost of Japans three Monju sites, alongside Amanohashidate in Kyoto and one in Yamagata. Its principal image, by the great Kamakura-period sculptor Kaikei, is about 7 meters tall, the largest Monju Bosatsu statue in Japan (a National Treasure). Famous too as a temple connected to the Tang-era student Abe no Nakamaro and the onmyoji Abe no Seimei, it is a power spot with a steady stream of worshippers seeking blessings of wisdom, exam success, and protection from evil.

Highlights

- National Treasure Crossing Monju Group: The powerful group centered on the largest Monju Bosatsu statue in Japan, by Kaikei, is a must-see. - Land Connected to Abe no Seimei: There is a place said to be where he made astronomical observations, letting you touch the legend of the onmyoji. - Exam Success Prayers: Enshrining the Buddha of wisdom, it draws exam takers and those seeking academic improvement from across the country. - Famous for Seasonal Flowers: Spring brings cherry blossoms and cosmos, and autumn brings beautiful jumbo flower pictures to the grounds.

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring brings cherry blossoms, early summer fresh green, and autumn the famous jumbo flower pictures made of colorful cosmos, so the grounds are vibrant each season. From winter to early spring, the exam season, it bustles with worshippers praying for success. Along with viewing and prayers before the Monju Bosatsu statue, the appeal is enjoying the seasonal flowers. Touring it together with the temples and shrines around Mount Miwa lets you savor the wisdom and history of central Nara.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: 645 Abe, Sakurai City, Nara - Access: About 20 minutes by bus or on foot from Sakurai Station (JR and Kintetsu) - Hours: About 9:00 to 17:00 - Admission: Viewing of the main hall and the Kinkaku floating hall is paid

A Quick Tip

Viewing the principal image requires an admission fee, with some plans including a matcha service. Amulets for exam success and the wisdom amulet are popular as gifts for exam takers. The autumn jumbo flower pictures are photogenic, so looking up the cosmos peak before visiting is recommended. Its location is also convenient as a base for touring the temples and shrines of the Sakurai area.