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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Murouji Temple in Uda City
Known as “Koyasan for Women” and one of many attractions in Nara Prefecture
Uda City, Nara Prefecture
Murouji is a mountain temple located at the foot of Mount Murou. Believed to be associated with the Dragon God (Naga, the god of water), this area has been regarded as a place of worship since ancient times and is the head temple of the Murouji Sect of Shingon Buddhism. Murouji Temple is believed to have been built in the eighth century. In contrast to Koyasan, where only men were admitted for Buddhist training, Murouji welcomed female worshippers. This is why Murouji is called “Nyonin Koya,” or “Koya for Women.” Murouji has multiple National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, including the Five-storied Pagoda, which was built approximately 1,000 years ago. It is known as the smallest outdoor five-storied pagoda in Japan. Murouji attracts visitors with beautiful natural scenery throughout the year: pink rhododendrons in spring, dazzling fresh green in early summer, flamboyant maple leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter. In autumn, the temple looks stunning surrounded by enchanting colored leaves, and the sight attracts visitors from all over Japan.
How to get there
From Shin-Osaka Station, take the train to Kintetsu Murouguchi-Ono Station (about 1 hour 20 minutes). From Kintetsu Muroguchi-Ono Station, take a Nara Kotsu bus to the Murouji Temple bus stop (about 15 minutes). The temple is a 5-minute walk from the bus stop.
78 Murou, Uda-shi, Nara-ken
