Tsubosakadera Temple's 'Great Cherry Blossom Buddha': Video Introduction

This video, titled "[Cherry Blossoms via Drone in 4K] The Great Cherry Blossom Buddha at Tsubosakadera Temple, Nara (Long Ver. )｜Cherry Blossom Drone Project" ([桜ドローン撮影4K] 奈良県壺阪寺の大仏桜 Tsubosaka-dera Temple, Nara (Long Ver. )｜桜ドローンプロジェクト). was uploaded by "DRONE ENTERTAINMENT - Sakura Drone Project."

This video shows beautiful images of the cherry blossoms in full bloom and the Great Buddha at Tsubosakadera Temple taken from the sky during Japan's cherry blossom season. In the video you can see the cherry blossoms from the perspective of the Great Buddha, which can only be achieved with drone photography. The illuminated scenery of the temple grounds at night is different from that of the daytime, and it is a fantastic view. Take your time to watch the beautiful scenery in the video.

Nara, Home to Some of the Most Famous Temples in Japan

Nara, Japan is home to approximately 1,800 temples, some of which, such as Todaiji Temple, the largest temple in Nara, are the most famous in Japan. It's even home to the Nanto Shichi Daiji (Seven Great Temples of Nara), or the Seven Great Temples of the Southern Capital. The Seven Great Temples of Nara are: Daianji Temple, Gangoji Temple, Horyuji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Saidaiji Temple, Todaiji Temple, and Yakushiji Temple. The vast number of temples and other tourist attractions, coupled with the long history of Nara, make it a destination in Japan that's definitely worth visiting.

What Kind of Temple is Tsubosakadera? History and Highlights Explained

Photo：The Buddha at Tsubosakadera Temple, Nara Prefecture

Tsubosakadera Temple is one of Nara's most iconic spring destinations, celebrated for its stunning cherry blossoms — but what exactly is this temple all about?

Tsubosakadera Temple, famous for the Great Cherry Blossom Buddha, is a Shingon sect temple located in Takatori, Nara, in Japan's Kansai Region. Although it's known by the names "Great Cherry Blossom Buddha" and "Tsubosakadera Temple," its official name is Minami Hokkeji Temple. The temple was founded in 703 by Benki Shonin, a Buddhist priest.

The temple's name is said to have originated when Benki Shonin, a monk of Gankoji Temple who was undergoing ascetic training, enshrined the Goddess of Kannon in a crystal vase in a hermitage on a hill.
The main deity of the temple is the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon (Avalokitesvara), and since it is believed to protect against eye diseases, visitors from all over Japan come to Tsubosakadera Temple to pray for protection.

The temple is also famous for the Dai Hina Mandala, in which over 4,000 hina dolls — a record number — are displayed together with the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon in the main hall (held February 28 – April 18, 2026). In the inner sanctuary of Tsubosakadera Temple, there is also a stone structure called Go-Hyaku Rakan (Five Hundred Arhats) featuring many Buddhist statues.

Some things that make the temple unique are its solar power generation system, which is not something you'd find at other temples in Japan, as well as several large Buddha statues on the temple grounds that were carved in, and imported from, India.

When Is the Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms at Tsubosakadera Temple in 2026? Events and Highlights

Photo：The Great Cherry Blossom Buddha at Tsubosakadera Temple, Nara Prefecture

Tsubosakadera Temple is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, and is known for its giant Buddha statue surrounded by cherry blossoms. The temple grounds are home to approximately 300 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino (Yoshino cherry), which burst into bloom each spring, enveloping the historic pagodas and stone statues in a sea of blossoms. Among the large stone Buddha statues, the most eye-catching is the Tsubosaka Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Tsubosakadera), located in the center of the temple. The statue stands a staggering 10 meters (~33 feet) tall atop a 5-meter-tall platform. During cherry blossom season 2026, the combination of the towering Buddha and the blooming sakura makes for the perfect Instagram photo.
[Video] 1:36 - The Great Buddha Surrounded by Cherry Blossoms

The cherry blossoms at Tsubosakadera Temple 2026 are expected to be at their best from early to mid-April, in line with the typical annual peak season as noted by the official Nara Prefecture tourism website, "Aoniyoshi Nara Tabi Net." For the latest bloom updates, be sure to check the temple's official social media before you visit.

The cherry blossom season is also the perfect time to enjoy a variety of special events at the temple. From February 28 (Sat) to April 18 (Sat), 2026, the Dai Hina Mandala Exhibition will be held in the Great Lecture Hall (8:30–17:00), displaying a record number of over 4,000 hina dolls enshrined alongside the principal object of worship. From April 25 (Sat) to May 6 (Wed), the Special Kechien Pilgrimage — Wiping the Kannon Statue (壷阪観音お身拭い特別結縁参拝) allows visitors to touch the knees of the principal Eleven-faced, Thousand-armed Kannon (dating from the Muromachi period) to form a deep spiritual bond with the deity. Additionally, from April 25 (Sat) to July 5 (Sun), the Two Great Pagodas Opening (二大塔初層同時開扉) will offer a rare opportunity to view the hidden Buddhist statue Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana), the principal object of worship in the Tahoto Pagoda, along with the interior of the Three-story Pagoda — both normally closed to the public. Be sure to plan your visit to make the most of these special seasonal events.

As for the nighttime light-up illumination, it is typically held during the cherry blossom season each year, when the temple's pagodas, the Great Buddha, and the cherry blossoms are beautifully lit up after dark. Please check the official website for the latest 2026 schedule.
[Video] 3:35 - Tsubosakadera Temple Illuminated at Night

What Are the Best Tourist Attractions Near Tsubosakadera Temple?

Photo：Nara Park, Nara Prefecture

There are various tourist attractions and sightseeing spots near Tsubosakadera Temple. You can also visit places where you can learn about Japanese history, such as the ruins of Takatori Castle, which is designated as a National Historic Site, and the Kitora Tomb (Kitora Burial Mound).

For lunch, we recommend Hana Yamato (花大和), a tea house serving Yakuzen cuisine (medicinal, herbal cuisine based on traditional Chinese medicine), or Oku Asuka Sarara (奥明日香さらら), where you can enjoy local cuisine from Nara. Between sightseeing, you can also take a break at Nokonoko Café (のこのこカフェ).

If you're looking to visit major tourist attractions in Nara Prefecture, such as Mt. Yoshino and Nara Park, from Tsubosakadera Temple, we recommend staying overnight and taking your time to enjoy Nara.

Summary of Tsubosakadera Temple's Great Cherry Blossom Buddha 2026 | Access, Admission & Parking

Did you enjoy the beautiful views of the cherry blossoms and the Great Buddha at Tsubosakadera Temple in spring?

With approximately 300 Somei Yoshino cherry trees and the 10-meter-tall Tsubosaka Daibutsu, Tsubosakadera Temple's cherry blossoms in 2026 promise one of Nara's finest hanami (cherry blossom viewing) experiences. The spring season is further enriched by special events including the Dai Hina Mandala Exhibition and the rare opening of secret Buddhist statues, drawing visitors from all over Japan — from hanami enthusiasts to pilgrims on the 33 Sacred Sites of Western Japan pilgrimage route. Don't miss the temple's original goshuincho (stamp book) embroidered with the Great Buddha and cherry blossoms, a souvenir you won't find anywhere else.

Tsubosakadera Temple is easily accessible from Nara City, making it an ideal stop during any trip to Nara. If you're looking for things to do in Nara, be sure to check it out!

◆Tsubosakadera Temple◆
【Address】3 Tsubosaka, Takatori-cho, Takaichi-gun, Nara 635-0102, Japan
【Access】
By Car: Drive southeast from the Katsuragi IC on Minami Hanna Road (approx. 30 min. by car)
By Train: From Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi, get off at Tsubosaka-yama bound for Yoshino (about 40 minutes via express train), then take a bus or taxi.
【Telephone】0744-52-2016
【Hours】8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
【Admission Fee】Adults (18 years and older) ¥600, children ¥100, young children (5 years and younger) free of charge.
¥300 for visitors with disabilities upon presentation of a disability certificate.
※Fees and hours are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
【Parking】Available (Lot 1: 33 spaces / Lot 2: 53 spaces)
(Please check the official website for details.)

【TripAdvisor】Tsubosakadera Temple