Muro-ji is a serene mountain temple in Uda, historically welcoming women when Mt. Koya barred them — earning the name ‘Women’s Koya’. Its exquisite small five-story pagoda amid cedar forest, plus spring rhododendrons and autumn maples, make it one of Nara’s loveliest quiet temples.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Uda, Nara Pref. (east of Nara) |
| Hours | 9:00–16:00 (seasonal) |
| Admission | ¥600 |
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours |
| Best time | Rhododendrons (late Apr–May); autumn |
What to See
- The delicate five-story pagoda, among Japan’s smallest and most elegant.
- Moss-covered stone steps rising through ancient cedar forest.
- Spring rhododendrons and vivid autumn maples.
- Historic Buddhist statues in the golden hall and inner sanctuary.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the flower temple Hase-dera .
- See autumn leaves at Tanzan Shrine .
- More quiet temples in our Nara hidden gems guide .
Getting There
- From Kintetsu: Kintetsu Osaka Line to Muroguchi-Ono Station, then bus (~15 min).
- By car: ~50–60 min from Nara city into the Uda hills.
Tips
Muro-ji is remote and buses are limited — check return times, and pair it with Hase-dera on an eastern-Nara day.
