Hasedera Temple (Nara)

Hasedera Temple is a beautiful and quite large temple complex which can be found within Nara prefecture. Famous for its role in the Japanese literary classic, The Tale of Genji, it has historically been favored by Japanese noblewomen. Quite accessible for foreigners, in the ascent to the temple, you will pass signs with QR codes your mobile phones can scan in order to access foreign language information about the temple (using the temple's free Wi-Fi, if you are so inclined). With a great many religious artifacts on display, including many culturally important Buddha statues, you can pay a small fee in order to be led through the performance of rites before the bodhisattva of mercy, Kannon. With no shortage of history and religion to explore, Hasedera Temple is a great destination for those looking to explore Japanese culture.