Sumadera Temple

Sumadera Temple (Suma Temple) is a beautiful Buddhist Temple built in 886 and is one of Kansai’s best-kept secrets. If you are looking to avoid the crowds and for a peaceful Japanese temple experience, this is the place to visit.

The spacious grounds house various temple buildings, a three-storied pagoda and the Gempei War garden with statues depicting the battle between Taira no Atsumori and Kumagai Naozane.

Seasonal trees, plants and flowers throughout the grounds provide a peaceful place to enjoy the seasons and is used by locals as a place of relaxation.

On the road leading up to the temple you will walk past the Banshinden Museum which houses many stone statues of God’s from around Asia. This museum was built in dedication to the Great Nepal Earthquake and in order to provide a place of peace for pilgrims.

Sumadera Temple can be reached by foot from JR Suma Station. It’s about 15 minute walk or roughly 1km. Entry to the grounds is free.