Chugu-ji Temple
Meet an Asuka-period half-lotus bodhisattva and the story of Japan's oldest surviving embroidery.
Verified site photographs are being prepared.Discover Chugu-ji Temple
Chugu-ji is a small working nunnery beside Horyu-ji, with one of Japan's most celebrated Asuka-period sculptures at its heart. Its seated bodhisattva rests one foot on the opposite knee and a hand near the face, inviting a close, slow look rather than a circuit of grand buildings. Excavation places the early temple about 500 metres east of today's precinct and identifies a Shitennoji-style layout; roof tiles shared with Wakakusa Garan suggest a historic relationship with Horyu-ji. A medieval nun restored the temple and its treasures, and later imperial women entered its community. Its other great treasure, the Tenjukoku embroidered mandala, is represented here by a replica: the surviving original is deposited at Nara National Museum. That distinction protects a visitor from expecting to see the original textile in the hall.
Spend time with the half-lotus figure
The temple names its National Treasure principal image a Bosatsu Hanka-zo, traditionally identified as Nyoirin Kannon. One leg hangs, the other foot rests on the knee, and fingers touch the cheek. Its soft expression is often singled out, but the posture and the way the figure occupies the modest room explain as much about its appeal as any comparison with famous Western artworks.
The temple once stood elsewhere
Chugu-ji says excavation identified its original site roughly 500 metres east of today's precinct and a Shitennoji-style plan. Wakakusa Garan, Horyu-ji's early west compound, yielded roof tiles made from the same mould, which the temple presents as evidence of a close relationship between the monks' and nuns' institutions. Its foundation connection to Prince Shotoku and his mother, Anahobe-no-hashihito, is a temple tradition. The current hall is not the untouched seventh-century building, and today's grounds are not the exact first courtyard.
See a copy and learn why
The Tenjukoku embroidered mandala is a rare early textile associated with the memory of Prince Shotoku. The temple recounts how nun Shinnyo rediscovered it at Horyu-ji in 1274 and supported its repair and a copy. The original surviving fragments are entrusted to Nara National Museum; the image ordinarily shown at Chugu-ji is a replica. A label saying 'National Treasure' describes the object, not a guarantee that the original textile is in this room.
Understand the nunnery's later life
After periods of decline and revival, Chugu-ji welcomed women from imperial families and became one of the Yamato imperial nunneries. That history helps explain the intimate scale and continuing worship atmosphere. The present experience is a functioning religious site, not merely an annex to Horyu-ji's museum route.
Pair it with Horyu-ji, but keep two tickets
The temple maps Chugu-ji about eight minutes on foot from Horyu-ji's South Gate. From JR Horyuji Station, its recommended bus runs to Horyuji Sando, then another eight minutes on foot. A nearer stop called Chuguji-mae exists, but the temple warns that the route from it is confusing. Chugu-ji has its own ticket and seasonal closing time, so check both temples before planning a late-afternoon pair.
What to look for
National Treasure half-lotus bodhisattva
Tenjukoku embroidery story and in-hall replica
Original temple site and nunnery history
Photo notes
No general licence to photograph the principal sculpture or reproduce the temple's image gallery was found on the reviewed operator pages. Respect hall signage and worshippers; ask staff before shooting inside and obtain rights clearance before commercial publication on MyNara.
Make a day of it
Explore guides close to this map point, then check the actual route before travelling. Distances below are straight lines, not walking distances or travel times; map points may not be entrances.
Sources & editorial status
Original MyNara draft based on the linked sources. Sources reviewed 20 October 2026. Opening arrangements, prices and offers may change; use the operator's current information before travelling.