Yatadera

Yatadera is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect located in Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture. The temple is also known as the hydrangea temple because of the roughly 10,000 varieties of hydrangea, and 60 different species, planted there. The temple was built in 674 on the orders of Emperor Tenmu. Later, Jizo Bosatsu statues were erected and the temple became affectionately known as ‘Jizo of Yata,’ Temple halls and sub-temples, such as the main temple hall (Hondo), the temple hall dedicated to Yama (King of Hell), and the temple hall commemorating its founder, are dotted around the temple grounds. Yatadera houses many important cultural assets such as the wooden Jizo Bodhisattva statue and wooden seated statue of Amitabha. The best time to see the hydrangeas is from June through to early July. On the mountain behind the main temple is a walking course which takes in 88 sacred spots around Yatadera.

Spot details

Address: Nara Pref. Yamatokoriyamashi Yatachou 3506 Map
Area: Ikaruga / Yamatokoriyama Area
Phone: 0743531445
Hours: 8:30-17:00
Closed: open everyday
Fees: [Climbing fee (6/1-7/10)] [Adult] 500yen [Elementary school students] 200yen
Parking Lot: Available(500spaces)
Credit Card: Not available
Smoking: Not available
Wi-Fi: Not available
Can be enjoyed even on a rainy day: Yes
Estimated stay time: 60-120 minutes
Wheelchair accessible: Yes (some are not possible)
Infant friendly: Available
Pet friendly: Yes (large animals are not allowed)