Jigenji Temple: Nara's Persimmon Tree and Prayer Tradition
A small Nara temple known for its prayer tradition and a city-designated, centuries-old persimmon tree.
Verified site photographs are being prepared.Discover Jigenji Temple: Nara's Persimmon Tree and Prayer Tradition
Jigenji is a Nishiyama Jōdo Buddhist temple in northern Nara City. Its official history traces its foundation to an imperial prayer associated with Emperor Shōmu and an enshrined Sho Kannon (聖観世音菩薩); it also describes the temple's later decline during the conflict involving Matsunaga Hisahide and its reconstruction in 1560. The principal image is kept as a hidden Buddha and is opened only for the temple's Hatsu-uma and second-uma services in February and March. On the west side of the grounds, a large persimmon tree is designated a Natural Monument by Nara City. The temple links its annual November persimmon offering to the harvest from this tree.
Understand the temple's origin account
Jigenji's official history says the temple began with a Sho Kannon image enshrined under an imperial prayer during Emperor Shōmu's reign. It says the precinct was later damaged during the conflict associated with Matsunaga Hisahide and the Main Hall was rebuilt in 1560. These dates follow the temple's institutional history. Its principal image remains a hidden Buddha: the temple says the cabinet is opened only during the February Hatsu-uma and March second-uma Great Services.
See the old persimmon tree from the right place
Nara City identifies the temple's persimmon as a designated Natural Monument. The city estimates it at 300–400 years old, about 12 metres high, with a trunk circumference of roughly 2.7 metres. It grows in a courtyard behind the Main Hall, so it may not be visible from ordinary public circulation. Ask the temple before entering private or closed parts of the grounds; do not assume the courtyard is open for viewing.
Plan around the Jūya and persimmon offering
The temple lists a Jūya and persimmon offering every November 13. The offering uses fruit from the old tree and is associated with prayers for longevity. The 2026 edition was listed by Nara Prefecture for November 13, but the event notice did not publish a start time, admission, reservation or public viewing terms. Confirm those details with the temple before making a special trip.
Know the current prayer schedule
Jigenji's official notice lists the 2027 Hatsu-uma Great Service on February 8 and the second-uma service on March 4, both from 08:00 to 19:00. The temple says the Main Hall is for people who come to pray; those seeking only to enter or photograph the hidden image are not admitted. Its published yakuyoke prayer offering starts at ¥5,000, but confirm the current amount and reception procedure with the temple. Individual prayers on ordinary days require a telephone reservation by the preceding day. Parking becomes heavily congested around the late morning and early afternoon, so the temple recommends public transport or avoiding the busiest hours.
Walk from central Nara
The temple is on Kitakōji-chō, north of Kintetsu Nara Station. The operator estimates a six-minute walk via Yasuragi-no-Michi; the prefectural tourism page gives about seven minutes. Nara Kotsu's Naishihara stop is nearby. These are walking estimates, not an accessibility assessment; check current bus operations and ask the temple about parking before travelling.
Respect a working temple
The published pages do not set general photography rules or promise access to every hall and garden. Keep to spaces clearly open to visitors, avoid photographing worshippers or services without permission, and ask before entering interiors or the courtyard around the protected tree. The site's regular worship information and event-specific access terms can differ.
What to look for
Nara City-designated Natural Monument persimmon tree
Annual November 13 Jūya and persimmon offering
Yakuyoke prayer tradition in northern Nara City
Photo notes
No general public photography permission was found. Ask before photographing services, worshippers, interiors or the courtyard persimmon tree; follow the temple's on-site instructions.
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 29 October 2026. Opening arrangements, prices and offers may change; use the operator's current information before travelling.
- Jigenji — temple history and hidden principal image
- Jigenji — 2027 services, prayer fees and visitor conditions
- Jigenji — prayer and hidden-image viewing conditions
- Jigenji — access and parking
- Nara City — Jigenji persimmon tree cultural-property record
- Nara Prefecture Tourism — 2026 Jūya and persimmon offering
- Jigenji — annual Jūya persimmon offering account