Murou-ji Temple’s charm changes with the seasons. In early summer, 3,000 rhododendrons frame its ancient structures. Autumn transforms the landscape into a canvas of reds and oranges that envelop the temple grounds. Coupled with artistic light-up events makes the temple a popular destination during this season.
Murou-ji Temple’s remote location adds to its allure and to get the most out of your trip here you’ll need to plan your transportation accordingly and pair it with another half day activity. A small hike in the surrounding countryside, a visit to Murou Art Forest or a trip to nearby Has-dera Temple are all worth considering to make a full day of it.
Murou-ji Temple’s story begins in the late Nara period (710–794) when the mountain was revered as sacred ground. The temple was founded by the monk En no Gyoja and later restored by Kukai. The temple's extant record, Murou-ji Engi, tells that a successful purification rituals in respect of a local dragon spirit to cure Prince Yamabe (later Emperor Kanmu)'s illness prompted the imperial court to instruct a monk from the nearby temple of Kohfuku-ji, named Kenkyo, to construct a new temple on the site. Accordingly Murou-ji Temple was established as a sub-temple of Kohfuku-ji Temple and was regularly used for prayer retreats.
Unlike Mount Koya, the headquarters of the Shingon sect, which historically barred women from entering, Murou-ji welcomed female worshippers early on. This earned it the nickname Nyonin Koya or "Women’s Koya." The temple’s progressive stance deepened during the Edo period when financial support from the Shogun’s mother further cemented its reputation as a sanctuary open to all.
Architecture in Harmony with Nature
The temple complex is a masterclass in site-specific design, with its buildings scattered across the mountain's natural contours. The five-storied pagoda, constructed in the late 8th century, is among its most iconic features. At just 16 meters tall, it is Japan’s smallest outdoor pagoda and a National Treasure. The Kon-do Hall, built in the late 8th century, houses wooden Buddhist statues that are also designated National Treasures. Nearby structures like the Miroku-do Hall and the Main Hall date back to around 1300 and contain additional artifacts of religious and artistic significance.
On the 21st of each month - a memorial day for Kukai (the founder of Shingon Buddhism) - visitors can view a sacred statue of him in the Oku-no-in (Inner Sanctuary), which is typically not on display at other times. It is housed in the Mie-do Hall which dates back to the Kamakura period (1185–1333), and has been designated an Important Cultural Property.
Connections between Murou-ji Temple and Murou Ryuketsu Shrine
The nearby Murou Ryuketsu Shrine used to be part of the Murou-ji Temple complex until 1868 when efforts were made to separate Shinto and Buddhist institutions. Every October, a special Autumn festival is jointly held between the shrine and the temple in which a sacred rope is hung on the divine cedar tree, symbolizing the connection between the temple and the shrine. The highlight of the event is the ceremonial procession (owatari), where participants journey from Murou-ji Temple to Murou Ryuketsu Shrine. At the shrine, a lion dance is performed as an offering to pray for peace and agricultural prosperity.
Read our dedicated article on the shrine here.
Access
Accessible by bus from Muroguchi-Ono Station (a 15-minute ride), it feels removed from modernity. For those seeking a more immersive experience, a two-hour nature trail winds from the station through riverside paths and quiet villages before arriving at the temple grounds. Visitors should plan their trip carefully as buses stop running early in the evening. Admission costs 600 yen for adults and 400 yen for children under 12. For those traveling by train, Muroguchi-Ono Station is just 15 minutes from Sakurai Station on the Kintetsu Line.
Address: 78 Murou, Uda, Nara 633-0421
Phone: 0745-93-2003
Hours: 8:30 - 17:00 (Dec 1st - March 31st: 9:00 - 16:00)
Admission: ¥600 for adults, ¥400 for high school students
Arthor: NARA Visitor Center & Inn
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