Obitoke-dera: A Historic Temple for Safe-Childbirth Prayers

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A historic temple near JR Obitoke Station, known for its Important Cultural Property Jizō, prayers for safe childbirth, and seasonal special openings.

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Discover Obitoke-dera: A Historic Temple for Safe-Childbirth Prayers

Obitoke-dera is a temple in southern Nara City whose name and religious identity are tied to a story about an imperial pregnancy. The temple and Nara City Tourism Association recount that Fujiwara no Akiko, consort of Emperor Montoku, prayed here and safely gave birth to the future Emperor Seiwa; in 858, the temple was named for the belt that had safely come undone. This is the temple's received origin story. Its principal image, Obitoke Koyasu Jizō, is designated an Important Cultural Property and remains the focus of worship. The site is still an active religious place: visitors may request admission to the main hall at the reception desk, but viewing takes place between prayer services and can be unavailable on busy weekends or the traditional days of the dog. The temple also observes seasonal services and opens normally hidden images on selected dates, so check its current notices before making a special trip.

Understand the name through its origin tradition

The temple's account connects its name to the story of Fujiwara no Akiko, who prayed for a child and safe delivery before giving birth to the future Emperor Seiwa. In 858, Emperor Montoku is said to have named the temple Obitoke-dera, recalling the safe loosening of the maternity belt. The story explains the temple's enduring association with pregnancy and childbirth; it is presented here as a historical tradition, not as a guarantee of any outcome.

Meet the principal image

Obitoke Koyasu Jizō is the temple's principal image and an Important Cultural Property. It is normally housed in the main hall, where access is guided by temple staff. Ask at the reception before entering: the operator schedules viewing between prayer services, and may decline admission on crowded weekends or dog days. During seasonal special openings, additional normally hidden Buddhist images and paintings may be displayed.

Visit an active place of worship

Safe-childbirth and child-related prayers are central to the temple's practice, alongside services such as memorial observances, sutra copying and goma prayer. Some are religious services rather than performances or open sightseeing events. Follow staff directions, keep quiet around worshippers and confirm in advance whether a particular service welcomes visitors.

Plan around changing access

The temple lists daily visiting hours, but main-hall viewing depends on the prayer schedule and may be unavailable during busy periods. Annual event dates, public access and temporary arrangements can change. Check the operator's latest notice for the day you plan to visit, especially for special openings, festivals and ceremonies.

What to look for

Obitoke Koyasu Jizō, the temple's Important Cultural Property principal image

An origin tradition linking the temple's name to the imperial court in 858

Seasonal special openings and annual observances listed by the temple

Photo notes

No tourism-association image or video frame is reused. Interior photography permission was not established by the reviewed sources; obtain the temple's permission before publishing interior images.

Plan your visit

Location734 Imaichichō, Nara City · mapped from the published temple address; entrance route not field-surveyed

Visitor detailsCheck source for visitor details The operator lists daily visiting hours of 9:00–16:00 and admission of ¥500, or ¥600 during spring and autumn special openings. Main-hall viewing is arranged between prayers and may be declined on busy weekends or dog days. The Nara City Tourism Association lists the age-based admission schedule, 50 standard-car spaces and two large-bus spaces; confirm current visitor conditions with the temple. No field survey was conducted. Ask about language support, step-free access, photography and any service-specific attendance rules.

Getting thereTake the JR Manyō-Mahoroba Line (Sakurai Line) to Obitoke Station and walk north for about five minutes, according to the temple. The temple notes that trains run only once or twice an hour, so check the current timetable. Nara City Tourism Association also lists a bus stop at Shimoyama (Obitoke-dera-mae). Follow public roads and signs; the map point is based on the published address and has not been field-surveyed.

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Sources & editorial status

Original MyNara draft based on the linked sources. Sources reviewed 25 October 2026. Opening arrangements, prices and offers may change; use the operator's current information before travelling.