Last Updated: Sep 6, 2023

The Muro-ji Temple Complex

An Autumntime Wonder in Nara

Hail and well met travelers! Today, we’ll be taking a look at the mysterious Muro-ji. Found in the eastern sections of Nara Prefecture, far away from the ever-adorable deer, this Buddhist temple is a spot that often pops up on Instagram these days. At the same time though, due to it being located in one of Nara’s most rural regions, few overseas visitors to Japan actually ever make it down to the complex. Given that it is one of the most spectacular autumn sights that I’ve ever seen, it’s high time that someone give Muro-ji its due justice.

As far as the historical records show, Muro-ji was founded over a millenia ago by the now-mythologized-but-actually-real mystic En-no-Gyoja. Thereafter, the compound was allegedly refurbished by the famous Kukai sometime before he founded his Shingon Buddhism enclave atop Mt. Koya. At some point during its impressively long legacy, Muro-ji became a tributary temple to Kofuku-ji (you know, that sprawling compound with the pagoda in the middle of Nara Park?) and this connection to one of Nara’s principal properties continued for centuries.

For those of you who are interested, know that the Muro-ji temple complex and the surrounding infrastructure pays homage to the dragon god Ryujin. According to…