The Hase Temple (Kii Peninsula)

“Hase Temple” is a 686 years-old temple of the Shingo sect of Buddhism located I Hase in Sakurai City in the southeastern Nara prefecture. Hase Temple is featured in many Japanese classic literatures, including the Tale of Genji (a novel written in the 11th century about lifestyles of high courtiers during the Heian Period). Surrounded by magnificent nature, on the temple property are many historical buildings that stand with dignity.
The temple’s symbolic main hall features the butai-zukuri (the building structure like a stage) that stands on the side of a precipitous cliff halfway up Mt. Ohatsuse. The main hall commands an impressive view, and merely praying there is a refreshing experience. Inside the temple, whose main hall itself has been designated as a national treasure, are many national treasures and temple treasures as dedications. One of the must-sees is the eleven-faced principal Kannon/ Bodhisattva, which takes pride in its height of 12 meters. One of the most sizeable Kannons in Japan, the statue presents aura and power so strong that they can be felt by those praying from a distance.
The popular place to take a break is “Gachirinin”, where you can have macha and ice cream while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the temple property.