Buddhist temple
Obitoke-dera
帯解寺（おびとけでら）
Nara, Nara Prefecture
A temple in Imaichi-chō, Nara City, known as a place of prayer for safe childbirth and for being blessed with children. Its principal image is a half-lotus seated Jizō Bosatsu, also called Haraobi Jizō because it is shown wearing a maternity sash, and it is designated a nationally Important Cultural Property.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal image: Jizō Bosatsu (Obitoke Koyasu Jizō Bosatsu)
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, its predecessor was Reishōan, a sub-temple of Iwabuchi-dera, which was opened by Gonzō Daitoku. It is said that Empress Somedono, consort of Emperor Montoku, who had not been blessed with a child, prayed to the Jizō Bosatsu of this temple and was given the future Emperor Seiwa, and that in Ten'an 2 the temple received the name Obitoke-dera from Emperor Montoku. In the Edo period it was revered by the Tokugawa shogun family, who donated a gate and a water basin, and in recent years too it has performed prayers for safe childbirth on the occasion of pregnancies in the imperial family.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 帯解寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-21 確認）
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