Haibara-cho
Butsuryu-ji Temple


Designated Important Cultural Property (Stone Chamber)
Heian Period
Cherry Tree Designated by the Nara Prefectural Government

The temple was founded by Kenne, a distinguished disciple of Kukai (774-835) , the founder of the Singon sect. It is a branch of the Murou-ji Temple of the Shingon sect. Its principle deity is the standing eleven-faced Kannon statue which is said to have been carved by Prince Shotoku (574-622). As the Murou-ji Temple's branch, the temple is provided with seven halls and located at Murou-ji's south gate.
It is said that seeds of Yamato tea were conveyed to Japan by Kukai when he returned from China. From the seeds, Kenne cultivated tea plants within the temple's compound. The tea then spread throughout the country. There remains a tea mill connected with the old story.
The cherry tree (natural monument) beside the stone steps is about 900 years old. With a perimeter of 7.5 m and a height of 16 m, it is said to be the biggest cherry tree in Japan. In autumn, blossoms of higanbana (cluster-amaryllis) delight visitors.

Tourist Information

Source: The Haibara municipal government

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