Important Cultural Property of Nara

Todai-ji's East Corridor folds from the Middle Gate to the east flank of the Great Buddha Hall. Built in 1716–1737, this tile-roofed cloister frames the approach.

Todai-ji's West Corridor mirrors its eastern twin, folding from the Middle Gate to the west flank of the Great Buddha Hall. It was built between 1716 and 1737.

Beside the Hachiman Hall stands the Kanjin-sho Sutra Storehouse, a log-built (azekura) repository like the nearby Shōsō-in, raised in the early Heian period.

In the Todai-ji cemetery at Kawakami-chō stands a stone five-ring stupa with a rare triangular fire-ring, said to mark the grave of the priest Chōgen.

Designed by Sekino Tadashi in 1902, this Important Cultural Property in Nara Park echoes the Byodo-in Phoenix Hall, mixing Japanese, Western, and Islamic design.

Nanmyōji's main hall, near Nara, is a plain late-Kamakura building (1275-1332) sheltering three older Heian-period Buddhas. Designated in 1906; viewing now limited.

Niu Shrine Main Hall in eastern Nara is a one-bay Kasuga-style hall roofed in cypress bark, dated by inscription to 1442, a rare Muromachi example near Enjo-ji.

An early-Edo farmhouse in Nara's Yoshino hills, Nishida House keeps medieval rafter framing and a front-parlor plan, named an Important Cultural Property in 1968.

Discover the Nippon Sei Ko Kai Nara Christ Church, a stunning Japanese-style Anglican church adjacent to Kōfuku-ji Temple in Nara. Designed by master carpenter Ōki Kichitarō and completed in 1930, this Important Cultural Property of Japan uniquely blends traditional Japanese architecture with Western liturgical design.

Hakusan Shrine Main Hall at Abe Monjuin, Nara, is a small late-Muromachi nagare-zukuri hall and Important Cultural Property, now visited as a matchmaking shrine.

Discover the Important Cultural Property pagoda of Futai-ji in northern Nara — a Kamakura-era tahōtō surviving at the historic temple founded by the legendary Heian poet Ariwara no Narihira.

The South Gate of Futai-ji Temple in Hōren-chō, Nara City, is a four-legged gate (shikyaku-mon) built in 1317 during the late Kamakura period, as confirmed by its preserved ridge tag. With a gabled tile roof and flanking earthen walls, its bold frog-leg struts and ornate carvings are regarded as forerunners of Momoyama-period gate architecture. Designated a National Important Cultural Property in 1904, the gate stands at the entrance to the temple founded by the Heian poet Ariwara no Narihira. This guide covers the gate’s history, architectural highlights, visitor information, and nearby attractions in northern Nara.

Hidden in a quiet northern neighbourhood of Nara near the ancient Heijō Palace site, Futai-ji Temple — affectionately known as 'Narihira-dera' after the celebrated poet Ariwara no Narihira — preserves a nationally designated Important Cultural Property: its late Kamakura-period Main Hall. A rare architectural survivor combining the ancient three-bay four-sided plan with medieval interior division and one of the earliest curved head-tie beams, the hall enshrines the beloved ribbon-crowned Shōkannon and a complete set of the Five Wisdom Kings. Discover its history, highlights, and a perfect walking route along the historic Saho-ji road.

The Main Hall of Fudoin in Hongo-cho, Yamato-Takada City, Nara Prefecture, is a late Muromachi-period Buddhist hall built in 1483 by Taima Tamenaga, lord of Takada Castle. Its five-bay-square plan, hipped roof, and traditional Japanese tile roof preserve a classic medieval temple form. Designated a national Important Cultural Property in 1925, it is the only such property within Yamato-Takada City. The enshrined Dainichi Nyorai statue, also a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, is a fine example of late Heian sculpture. Famous locally for its hydrangeas and just a few minutes' walk from Takada Station.

The Chūin Hondō, built in 1434, is a sub-temple hall at Hōryū-ji. A three-bay Important Cultural Property, it is entered from its gable end in the Muromachi style.

Tsumamuro is a plain monks' dormitory of about 1121 in Hōryūji's West Precinct, a 27-bay hall that housed the monks who served the senior priests next door.

The Yakushibou Kuri, an Important Cultural Property standing behind the National Treasure Saiendo (West Round Hall) at the UNESCO World Heritage Horyuji Temple, is a late Muromachi-period monastic kitchen and living quarters. This 18-meter wooden structure features a distinctive dual roof design and preserves the daily living spaces of the monks who served the revered Medicine Buddha hall.

The Hori Family Residence in Nishi-Yoshino, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest surviving private dwellings, dating to the late Muromachi period and designated as an Important Cultural Property. During the Nanbokuchō period, it served as the imperial residence for four Southern Court emperors including Emperor Go-Daigo. With its majestic thatched roof and dramatic history, the site was renovated in 2019 as KANAU, offering dining and accommodation experiences within a centuries-old imperial estate.

Matsuo-dera Temple in Yamatokoriyama, Nara Prefecture, is Japan's oldest yakuyoke (evil-warding) temple, founded in 718 by Imperial Prince Toneri. The Main Hall, rebuilt in 1337, is designated as an Important Cultural Property for its rare Shin-Wayō architecture blending traditional Japanese and Great Buddha styles. Discover this historic mountain temple with its secret Thousand-Armed Kannon, Kamakura-period Daikokuten statue, and stunning seasonal flower displays.

Discover the Three-Storied Pagoda of Minami Hokke-ji (Tsubosaka-dera), an Important Cultural Property rebuilt in 1497 during the Muromachi period. Standing on the sacred slopes of Takatori, this pagoda is a rare survivor of war and fire, showcasing pure Japanese architectural style.

Nara’s registered properties across designations, with featured heritage and travel notes.

The complete kokuhō catalogue — browse by prefecture, period, and category.

Nationwide jūyō bunkazai — architecture, sculpture, painting, crafts, and documents.