Okadera — Attraction in Asuka

Okadera may be the inspiration for the Dragon Ball anime.

The legend of the temple's founding tells the story of a dragon marauding the people in the village that is present day Asuka, and of the Buddhist monk who defeated the dragon. The official amulets of Okadera are actually called dragon balls (or wish balls) after the magic balls at the end of Asian dragons' tails.

Besides the great foundational story, Okadera's grounds are home to several gorgeous and historic buildings, the oldest ceramic great Buddha statue in Japan, and many paths through its gardens that are wonderful for a relaxing stroll. The temple is especially beautiful in the spring and the fall when Japan's famous cherry blossoms, and fiery autumn leaves add even more splendor to...

Oka-dera was my pinnacle of temple exploration in Japan. The mountain temple was laced in bright color and had a reverent heartbeat. Snow capped the tombstones and statues within. In the middle of my visit, a crowd of devout Asukamura people climbed to the main hall and chanted. It, along with the deep bells, moved my heart. The temple itself is masterfully crafted -- it took 30 years to complete. If you visit, be sure to travel deep into the mountainside to see the...

It’s a beautiful temple to visit . The bus from the station ( I used No16 ) so off the beautiful green fields of rice the colour is spectacular. Coming by bus near to the ( 5-10 mins away) temple you will have a walk which has steep inclines which could be a problem to less able . One of the Buddha shrines is in...