Gangoji is a world heritage.
What is the greatness of Gangoji? Let me explain briefly.
At first, roof tiles manufactured almost 1400 years ago are still used. You can see some of the black roof tiles. Yes, they are the ones. It was discovered in 1950s, and reused as active ones.
This roof tiles is not just an old, but also, the first root tile manufactured in Japan. Buddhism was introduced from China in 538, and China dispatched root tiles craft man to Japan to construct the first temple in 588.
Yes, the tiles which are still active on the roof of Gangoji temple are the ones introduced by China, named Tenoyo-no-Iraka.
Also, you can see small five-storied pagoda which are stored for 1300 years. It is not a real sized five-storied pagoda but just a prototype. It is said that many five-storied pagoda in Japan had been designed by referencing this prototype as a model.
There are a lot of traditional shops for food and souvenirs and traditional architecture in Naramachi. Naramachi area was originally property of Gangoji. Therefore, Gangoji has been loved by common people for a long time. Jizo statutes are proving that facts.
In Autumn, you can see beautiful bush clovers around Gangoji.