Travel in Nara
Gangoji (Gokurakubo)
Gangoji (Gokurakubo) · Gangoji Temple · 元興寺（極楽坊）
Visit Gangoji (Gokurakubo) if you would like a temple visit during a Naramachi walk. Enter its grounds to see the temple buildings, including Gokurakudo hall.
Sources and dates checked Temple’s official access information Sources and dates checked
Visitor information at a glance
Address
奈良県奈良市中院町11番地
11, Chuincho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8392, Japan
View location on the map →Admission
Ordinary admission costs JPY 700 for adults, JPY 500 for junior and senior high school pupils or JPY 300 for primary school children. Autumn special exhibition admission costs JPY 800, JPY 600 and JPY 400 respectively. The rate for groups of 30 or more is JPY 600, or JPY 700 during the exhibition. The exhibition fee includes admission; do not add the ordinary fee.
Opening hours and closed days
Gangoji opens from 09:00 to 17:00, with admission until 16:30. Visitor arrangements and fees may differ during special exhibitions and annual events.
What can I see at Gangoji (Gokurakubo)?
Add Gokurakudo hall to your lane walk
Enter Gangoji’s grounds in Naramachi to see temple buildings including Gokurakudo hall. Allow time for the temple as well as the lanes; admission to the grounds is charged.
Nara City Tourism Association hours and fees Nara Prefecture tourism: Naramachi neighbourhood and walking access
How to get to Gangoji (Gokurakubo)
Gangoji (Gokurakubo) at 11 Chuincho, Nara city, is about 20 minutes on foot from JR Nara or 15 minutes from Kintetsu-Nara. These estimates cover reaching the temple; allow separate time for the admission desk and exploring Naramachi’s lanes.
Temple’s 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, Nara city. The Gangoji Pagoda Site in Shibashinyacho is a separate temple, so check the address as well as the map name.
Gangoji’s official distinction between the two temples Temple’s official access information
2026 autumn exhibition: 24 October–15 November
Adult admission for the autumn exhibition from 24 October to 15 November 2026 is JPY 800. This includes admission and replaces the ordinary JPY 700 fee, rather than being added to it. For other dates, check the applicable fee and exhibition information.
Nara Prefecture’s official Gangoji 2026 autumn exhibition information Nara City Tourism Association hours and fees
Questions about Gangoji (Gokurakubo)
Are Gangoji (Gokurakubo) and the Gangoji Pagoda Site the same place?
No. Gangoji (Gokurakubo) is at 11 Chuincho, Nara city; the Gangoji Pagoda Site in Shibashinyacho is a separate temple. Confirm 11 Chuincho as your destination address.
Gangoji’s official distinction between the two temples Temple’s official access information
Sources and dates checked
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Temple’s official access information ·
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Nara City Tourism Association hours and fees ·
- Nara Prefecture’s official Gangoji 2026 autumn exhibition information ·
Editorial review: