Japanese Temple - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 500 m from Sarnath Railway Station, and 9 km from Varanasi Junction, the Japanese Temple is a Buddhist temple situated in Baraipur locality of Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. Next to Vishwa Shanti Stupa, it is one of the popular Buddhist temples in Sarnath and among the prominent places to visit in Sarnath.

Japenese Temple is a uniquely built Buddhist pilgrimage site in Sarnath and is managed by the Dharmachakra Indo-Japan Buddhist Cultural Society. The original name of the Japanese temple is Nichigai Suzan Horinji Temple but it is commonly referred to as 'Japanese Temple' by local guides and tourists. The architecture of the temple is in a typical Japanese style which includes a double-storey pagoda. The pleasing architecture of the temple is reminiscent of the world-renowned Japanese temples in Kyoto, Japan. Just before the entrance of the main shrine, there is a statue of Lord Buddha beneath a tree on the right side. Whereas, on the left side, there is a pillar with Japanese inscriptions.

The interiors of the temple are serenely beautiful. There is a huge wooden statue of the Buddha in reclining pose with an exquisite design on the head. The Buddhist mantra of Na Mu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo is close to the main statue. All the wooden sculptures and items at this Buddhist temple are made up of sandalwood. Besides, the ambiance of the temple is so surreal that one could spend hours just adoring the beauty and tranquillity of this must-visit tourist attraction in Sarnath.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free