Travel in Nara · 奈良県
Gangoji (Gokurakubo)
Gangoji Temple · 元興寺（極楽坊）
Visit Gangoji (Gokurakubo) to add a temple to your Naramachi lane walk. Enter the grounds to see the temple buildings containing Gokurakudo Hall.
Visitor information
Admission
Regular admission is ¥700 for adults, ¥500 for junior high and high school students, and ¥300 for elementary students. During the autumn exhibition, rates are ¥800, ¥600, and ¥400 respectively. Groups of 30 or more pay ¥600, or ¥700 during the special exhibition. Exhibition prices include admission; do not add the regular charge.
Opening hours
The temple is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with admission reception until 4:30 p.m. Special exhibitions and annual events may change visiting arrangements and charges.
What to see at Gangoji Temple · 元興寺（極楽坊）
Add Gokurakudo Hall to a lane walk
Enter Gangoji's grounds from Naramachi to see the temple buildings containing Gokurakudo Hall. Leave time for the temple alongside your lane walk. Grounds admission costs extra.
Nara City Tourism Association: hours and admission Nara Prefecture tourism: Naramachi neighborhood and walking access
How to get to Gangoji Temple · 元興寺（極楽坊）
Gangoji (Gokurakubo) at 11 Chuin-cho, Nara City is about a 20-minute walk from JR Nara Station or 15 minutes from Kintetsu-Nara. These estimates cover temple access; add time to reach reception and explore Naramachi's lanes.
Official temple access Nara City Tourism Association: hours and admission
Visit tips
Check both name and address on the map
Gangoji (Gokurakubo) is at 11 Chuin-cho, Nara City. The Gangoji pagoda site in Shibashinya-cho is a separate temple; check the address as well as the name on the map.
Official Gangoji guide distinguishing the two temples Official temple access
Autumn 2026 exhibition: October 24–November 15
Adult admission to the autumn exhibition October 24–November 15, 2026 is ¥800, including admission. It replaces regular ¥700 admission rather than adding to it. For other dates, check the applicable charge and exhibition information.
Official Nara Prefecture Gangoji autumn 2026 exhibition Nara City Tourism Association: hours and admission
Questions about Gangoji Temple · 元興寺（極楽坊）
Are Gangoji (Gokurakubo) and the Gangoji pagoda site the same place?
No. Gangoji (Gokurakubo) is at 11 Chuin-cho, Nara City; the Gangoji pagoda site in Shibashinya-cho is a separate temple. Confirm 11 Chuin-cho as your destination address on the map.
Official Gangoji guide distinguishing the two temples Official temple access
Sources
- Sources ·
- Official temple access ·
- Sources ·
- Sources ·
- Nara City Tourism Association: hours and admission ·
- Official Nara Prefecture Gangoji autumn 2026 exhibition ·
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