Yumedono Hidden Buddha: Autumn Special Unveiling of Guze Kannon

About this event

The standing statue of Guze Kannon Bodhisattva, a National Treasure housed in the Yumedono of the Toin Garan (Eastern Precinct) of Horyu-ji Temple in Ikaruga Town, Nara Prefecture, and said to be a life-sized depiction of Prince Shotoku, is specially unveiled only twice a year, in spring and autumn. The Autumn 2026 special unveiling will take place from October 22 to November 22. Only during this period is the zushi (miniature shrine) of Yumedono opened, allowing visitors to view this masterpiece of Asuka period Buddhist sculpture. The standing statue of Guze Kannon Bodhisattva is carved from a single piece of camphor wood with lacquer and gold leaf, featuring distinctive frontal facial features and a subtle smile around the mouth known as an archaic smile. It was strictly enshrined as a hidden Buddha for a long time until its seal was broken in the Meiji period by the foreign scholar Fenollosa. During this special unveiling period, a "Guze Kannon" goshuin (temple stamp) is also offered for 500 yen. Visiting hours are from 8:00 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from November 4 onward), but admission reception closes 30 minutes before closing time. Admission fees are 2,000 yen for adults, university students, and high school students, 1,700 yen for junior high school students, and 1,000 yen for elementary school students. Taking photos and recording videos within the temple grounds is prohibited.

Venue

Yumedono

1-1 Horyuji-sannai, Ikaruga, Ikoma District, Nara 636-0115