Tsubosaka-dera — Attraction in Asuka

Be ready to hike (which I think is the better option anyways). If you’re just here for the photos, maybe the long wait or hike is not worth the trip. If you view it as a nice hike in the mountain or a workout in the nature, it’s totally worth it!

If you have a car, the traffic is about 2-3 miles (4-5 kms) out. The parking lots are only able to host about fewer than 100 cars based on my estimation. It’s like the ski resorts: one car out, one car in. The rest of the cars were just sitting there.

If you’re taking public transportation, there was no bus running from the train station to the temple today (I assume it’s because of the crazy traffic). You can take the full walk/hike, which is about 1 hr one way. Or you can take a taxi to where the traffic starts, which saves you some walking (saved me about 30 mins).

Wear comfortable shoes, breathable clothes and bring water! Don’t count on the vending machines at the temple. Since so many people are walking up, a lot of the hydrating selections were sold out, mostly coffee left. Get your water before your hike and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful Sakura.

Today’s April 7th and the petals started falling a bit. You may be able to see full Sakura snow in the next few days....

A very good temple to visit throughout the year but the Sakura or cherry blossoms are amazing here and I found it slightly better than Yoshino. The temple has a strong Indian connection with charity work in India and some of the stone statues were apparently carved in India and transported to Japan. The temple has a replica of Ajanta caves inside and numerous giant Buddhist sculptures that look great with the cherry blossoms in full bloom. The temple is away from the city and is only accessible by Bus/Car but the way up to the temple in peak season can be a nightmare so get here early in the morning(It took me 40 minutes to cover the last 500 meters to the parking lot). Hint: The first parking lot is reasonably priced at 500 JPY but if full, the attendant will ask you if you want to use the second parking lot which is 500 meters ahead. I decided to park there and it was free!

Easily one of the top, must visit...

We went here on June 5 2021 Saturday to celebrate our 🚗 car’s 1 birthday 🎂.This is so beautiful temple of Buddha 🕉that have some kind of roots from India 🇮🇳. We feel the nature 🌳 the birds 🐦 are humming and I love ❤️ everything . Priests are very nice and helpful . Parking is available just near to the temple cost for ¥500 per car per day . The entrance ticket 🎟 is ¥600 to travel around the temple but we went in special offer where ¥1000 for travel around the temple + touch and clean the god with a cotton cloth that we can take with us home 🏡 .. so we chooses that. Toilet is available only downstairs but when you go up to see the standing Buddha and lying Buddha there will be no toilet 🚽 so better use it downstairs. Wheelchair 🦽 service is not available and it have many stairs so elderly people have to take care . But all over I love the temple and it is worth it. Best time will be Sakura 🌸time March ending ~...