Abe Monjuin Temple 安倍文殊院

Along with Hasedera and Omiwa-jinja Shrine , Abe Monjuin Temple, in the rural town of Sakurai, is among the oldest sites of worship in Japan.

The temple is nearest to Sakurai Station, with convenient access from Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.

From Nara: From Nara Station, take the JR Manyo Maharoba Line to Sakurai Station. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.

From Kyoto: Take the Kintetsu Line from Kyoto Station to Sakurai Station via Yamatoyagi. The journey takes about one hour.

From Osaka: From Osaka Station, take the Osaka Loop Line to Tsuruhashi, followed by the Kintetsu Line to Sakurai Station. The journey takes about one hour.

Though destroyed by fire several times, Abe Monju-in Temple was founded as early as 645, which makes it one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. It enshrines Monju Bosatsu, the Buddhist deity of wisdom. Therefore, it is no wonder that students flock here to pray and leave wishes for good results on wooden tablets before their exams.

Enter the main hall to see the statue of Monju Bosatsu itself, which is a masterpiece of Kamakura-period (1192-1333) sculpture by Kaikei, well-known for his two fearsome guardian deities that stand in the gate at Todaiji Temple in Nara. The statue that depicts Monju mounted on a lion is some seven meters in height, accompanied by four attendants. All of these works are National Treasures.

Abe Monjuin Temple also marks the birthplace of Abe no Seimei, who was an onmyoji or advisor to the government on such matters as auspicious events, the spiritual calendar, and quelling of evil spirits, which was based upon yin-yang principles and astrology. Referred to as “Japan's Merlin,” he has been made popular more recently by his appearance in several manga comics and films. This fact has made the temple a destination for pilgrimages by anime and manga fans.