Okadera

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 the setting.