Hase-dera

長谷寺

A 399-step covered stair ending at a giant Kannon

Hours

Apr-Sep 8:30-17:00, Oct-Mar 9:00-16:30

Tickets

Adults 500 yen, elementary pupils 250 yen

Address

731-1 Hatsuse, Sakurai, Nara

A temple clinging to a mountainside. A 399-step covered stair rises from the Nio gate to the main hall, with thousands of peonies along it from mid-April to early May. Inside, the 11-faced Kannon stands about 10 meters tall, a wooden image you really have to look up at. The hall's veranda gives a deep view over the valley. It is an easy day trip by train from central Nara.