Chogakuji Temple

Chogakuji Temple (長岳寺, Chōgaku-ji) in Nara is a peaceful, scenic temple known for its seasonal gardens and cultural charm. Believed to be founded in 824 by the famous monk Kobo Daishi, the temple welcomes visitors with a grand wooden gate and bell tower, framed by blooming azalea hedges. The grounds feature a beautiful pond and flowers that change with each season, creating a colorful and calming atmosphere throughout the year.

Inside the main hall, visitors will find impressive bronze Buddhist statues and a rare painting of hell by the 16th-century artist Kano Sanraku, shown only from late October to November. One of the temple’s highlights is the Lantern Festival held on the third weekend of September, when the entire temple glows under the soft light of hundreds of lanterns and candles, offering a magical nighttime experience.