Travel in Nara
Gangoji (Gokurakubo)
Gangoji (Gokurakubo) · Gangoji Temple · 元興寺（極楽坊）
Visit Gangoji (Gokurakubo) if you want a temple visit during your Naramachi walk. Enter the grounds to see the temple buildings containing Gokurakudo.
Official sources Temple: official access information Official sources
Visitor information
Admission
Ordinary admission is 700 yen for adults, 500 yen for junior high and high school students, and 300 yen for elementary school children. During the autumn exhibition, these become 800, 600 and 400 yen respectively. The rate for groups of 30 or more is 600 yen, or 700 yen during the exhibition. Exhibition admission includes the ordinary visit; do not add the normal fee again.
Opening hours
Open 09:00–17:00; admission reception closes at 16:30. Visiting arrangements and fees may differ during special exhibitions and annual events.
What to see at Gangoji (Gokurakubo)
Add Gokurakudo to your street walk
Enter Gangoji’s grounds from Naramachi to see the temple buildings containing Gokurakudo. Allow time for a temple visit alongside your street walk. Admission to the grounds is paid.
Nara City Tourism Association: hours and fees Nara Prefecture tourism: Naramachi and walking access
How to get to Gangoji (Gokurakubo)
Gangoji (Gokurakubo), at 11 Chuincho in Nara City, is about 20 minutes on foot from JR Nara or 15 minutes from Kintetsu-Nara. These estimates reach the temple; allow extra time for reception access and exploring Naramachi streets.
Temple: official access information Nara City Tourism Association: hours and fees
Before you visit
Check both the name and address on your map
Gangoji (Gokurakubo) is at 11 Chuincho in Nara City. The Gangoji tower site in Shibashinyacho belongs to a separate temple, so check the address as well as the name on your map.
Gangoji: distinguishing the two temples Temple: official access information
The autumn 2026 exhibition runs October 24–November 15
Adult admission during the October 24–November 15, 2026 autumn exhibition is 800 yen. This includes admission rather than adding to the normal 700-yen fee. For other dates, check the applicable admission fee and exhibition information.
Nara Prefecture: Gangoji autumn 2026 special exhibition Nara City Tourism Association: hours and fees
Questions about Gangoji (Gokurakubo)
Are Gangoji (Gokurakubo) and the Gangoji tower site the same place?
No. Gangoji (Gokurakubo) is at 11 Chuincho in Nara City; the tower site in Shibashinyacho belongs to a separate temple. Confirm 11 Chuincho as your destination address on the map.
Gangoji: distinguishing the two temples Temple: official access information
Official sources
- Official sources ·
- Temple: official access information ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Nara City Tourism Association: hours and fees ·
- Nara Prefecture: Gangoji autumn 2026 special exhibition ·
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