Tanjoji Temple: A Well at the Heart of the Chujo-hime Tradition
See the well traditionally associated with Chujo-hime's birth and learn how Naramachi temples preserve different parts of her devotional story.
Verified site photographs are being prepared.Discover Tanjoji Temple: A Well at the Heart of the Chujo-hime Tradition
Tanjoji is a small Naramachi temple associated with the birth of Chujo-hime, the legendary figure linked to the Taima Mandala tradition. The temple's best-known feature is a well said to have supplied the water for her first bath. That association is a religious tradition preserved by the site; it should not be presented as independently documented Nara-period fact. The short visit makes most sense alongside nearby Kōrinji and Tokuyuji, where other parts of the Toyonari and Chujo-hime story are remembered.
Look for the well, and keep its story in the realm of tradition
Nara City Tourism Concierge describes a well in the grounds as the one said to have been used for Chujo-hime's first bath. The association is a local religious tradition, not archaeological proof of a Nara-period birth event. View the feature from the permitted visitor area and do not draw water or climb into the well enclosure.
Understand Chujo-hime as a devotional figure
The Nara Prefecture tourism account explains that Chujo-hime's story grew from the origin traditions of the Taima Mandala and became a wider narrative about a woman who sought Buddhist practice. Later retellings connected her to Fujiwara Toyonari and to multiple temples in Naramachi. Tanjoji preserves the birth tradition; Kōrinji and Tokuyuji preserve other memorial associations. These are separate temple traditions, not a single proven itinerary from the eighth century.
Know what the temple's images represent
A temple and Nara Women's University digital heritage record identifies the principal image as a wooden seated figure of Chujo-hime in the religious identity of Hōnyo-ni, and describes accompanying figures of her parents, Fujiwara Toyonari and his wife. It also records an entrance stone monument that names the site as Chujo-hime's birthplace. These objects show how the temple has preserved and expressed the tradition; they do not independently verify the eighth-century birth story. The records do not promise that the images are visible during an ordinary visit, so ask before planning an interior viewing.
Distinguish the temple's art from what is on view
Nara City's current cultural-property list records an Edo-period silk painting of the Chujo-hime Mandala as a municipal-designated painting owned by Tanjoji, but the same entry lists the Nara National Museum in its deposit/exhibition field. The listing does not say whether the work is currently on display or accessible at the temple. Treat it as part of the temple's documented art history, not as an object guaranteed to see during a visit; check with Tanjoji and the museum before making it a reason for travel.
Check the door before setting out
Nara City Tourism Concierge lists 9:00–16:00, irregular closures, three parking spaces, and asks visitors to contact the temple before viewing. It lists the regular admission as no charge. A separate Nara City Tourism Association page described a 500-yen fee for its dated February 2026 guided temple-opening programme; that was a special route, not a reliable regular price. Call 0742-22-5333 to confirm whether the grounds or halls are open and whether a contribution or fee applies on your date.
Walk between the nearby temples on public streets
The city tourism course places Tanjoji immediately after Tokuyuji and notes Kōrinji nearby, making a compact Naramachi walk possible when all temples confirm access. The 2026 seasonal course was date-specific and should not be treated as a daily guided tour. Follow current pedestrian routes, keep noise low in residential lanes, and respect closed gates. Do not assume the main hall, the well or other religious objects may be entered or handled.
What to look for
A stone well traditionally associated with Chujo-hime's first bath
A small temple stop that can be paired on foot with Kōrinji and Tokuyuji
An opportunity to distinguish devotional memory from documented history
Photo notes
No general photography policy was located. Ask before photographing the well, interiors, sacred images, worshippers or services; obey any local restrictions. No publication-ready image has been cleared in this record.
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 24 October 2026. Opening arrangements, prices and offers may change; use the operator's current information before travelling.
- Nara City Tourism Concierge — Tanjoji traditions, hours, advance contact, fee listing, parking and access
- Nara City Tourism Association — 2026 seasonal route, including the 500-yen guided Tanjoji visit
- Nara Kotsu — Kitakyobate-cho bus stop timetable (official English stop name)
- Nara Prefecture Tourism — Chujo-hime tradition and related Naramachi temples
- Nara Women's University digital archive — Tanjoji images, well and entrance monument (temple and Nara National Museum collaboration)
- Nara City — designated cultural-property list (current as of 26 March 2026): Edo-period Chujo-hime Mandala painting owned by Tanjoji; Nara National Museum listed in deposit/exhibition field