Butsuryuji Temple (also written as 佛立寺) is a historic Buddhist temple nestled in the mountain village of Akabane, Haibara, Uda City, Nara Prefecture. Belonging to the Muroji school of Shingon Buddhism, it bears the mountain name Manisan and enshrines an Eleven-Headed Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, as its principal image.
Although the temple stands in a quiet rural setting, it is known for its seasonal beauty. Cherry blossoms brighten the grounds in spring, while red spider lilies add vivid color in autumn. Its combination of religious heritage, tranquil surroundings, and distinctive seasonal scenery makes Butsuryuji a rewarding destination for visitors exploring the mountains of Nara.
Butsuryuji has long been known as the “Southern Gate of Muroji Temple,” reflecting its historical relationship with the celebrated Muroji Temple. The two temples have traditionally been connected through a head-temple and branch-temple relationship, and both belong to the Muroji school of Shingon Buddhism.
Butsuryuji is also traditionally associated with the beginnings of tea cultivation in Japan. According to local tradition, Kobo Daishi Kukai brought tea seeds back from Tang China, and tea was first cultivated in Japan at this site. For this reason, the temple is known as a birthplace of Yamato tea, a tea tradition associated with Nara Prefecture.
A stone tea grinder preserved within the temple grounds is said to have been used by Kukai. This historic object offers a tangible connection to the temple’s tea-related traditions and adds another layer to its cultural significance.
In early April, the temple’s approach is graced by the celebrated Thousand-Year-Old Cherry Tree. Believed to be more than 900 years old, it is often described as the oldest cherry tree in Nara Prefecture. In 1978, it was designated a Natural Monument of Nara Prefecture.
The tree was once thought to be a wild mountain cherry, but subsequent research identified it as Mochizuki-zakura, a hybrid between a mountain cherry and the Edohigan cherry. Its pale pink blossoms create a memorable spring landscape, drawing visitors who come to admire the tree and the peaceful temple surroundings.
During the autumn equinoctial season, red spider lilies bloom along both sides of the temple’s long stone staircase, which has 197 steps. Butsuryuji was once regarded as one of the Kansai region’s notable destinations for viewing these flowers.
From around 2010, however, damage caused by wild animals, particularly deer and wild boar, led to a dramatic decline in the flowers. In 2015, volunteers helped install protective fencing to prevent further damage, and efforts to replant the bulbs resumed. The flowers have gradually begun to return, raising hopes that the temple’s former autumn beauty will be restored.
According to tradition, Butsuryuji was founded in 850, during the early Heian period, by Kenne, a prominent disciple of Kobo Daishi Kukai. Another account attributes its founding to Shuen, a monk associated with Kofukuji Temple in Nara. Although accounts differ regarding its origins, the temple has a long-established place in the religious history of the region.
The surrounding mountains were also regarded as a place for Buddhist ascetic practice. The secluded setting provided an environment where monks could withdraw from worldly distractions and devote themselves to spiritual discipline.
The main hall stands at the top of the steep stone staircase of 197 steps. Its principal image is a standing statue of the Eleven-Headed Kannon, traditionally attributed to Prince Shotoku. The statue and the hall reflect the temple’s longstanding Buddhist traditions.
The temple’s stone chamber is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Inside is a five-ring stone pagoda believed to mark the tomb of Kenne. Weathered stone surfaces and patches of moss give the structure a quiet, timeless atmosphere, inviting visitors to reflect on the centuries of history preserved here.
Another notable feature of the grounds is a thirteen-story stone pagoda bearing an inscription dated 1330, the second year of the Genko era. This historic monument is a valuable remnant of the temple’s medieval past and an important part of its cultural heritage.
The Thousand-Year-Old Cherry Tree remains one of Butsuryuji’s best-known attractions. Designated a Natural Monument of Nara Prefecture, it draws many visitors each spring. Its age, unusual botanical identity, and delicate blossoms make it a highlight for nature lovers and photographers alike.
A stone tea grinder preserved on the temple grounds is traditionally said to have been brought from Tang China by Kukai. It recalls the temple’s association with the origins of Japanese tea cultivation and the long history of tea culture in the Yamato region.
From Haibara Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line, take a Nara Kotsu bus bound for Kamiuchimaki or Soni Village Office and get off at Takai bus stop. From there, the temple is approximately a 30-minute walk.
The route passes through a naturally beautiful mountain area, so comfortable walking shoes and suitable outdoor clothing are recommended. Visitors should allow enough time for the walk and be prepared for uneven terrain.
Butsuryuji Temple is a hidden gem in Nara where centuries of Buddhist history coexist with the beauty of the natural world. From the magnificent old cherry tree in spring to the historic stone chamber and the seasonal red spider lilies, the temple offers something different throughout the year.
Its quiet mountain setting provides a chance to experience a more contemplative side of Japan, far from the bustle of major tourist destinations. For travelers interested in historic temples, traditional tea culture, and the changing colors of the seasons, Butsuryuji is a memorable stop in the Uda area of Nara Prefecture.