Hōryū-ji Temple

Overview

Hōryū-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, and the head temple of the Shōtoku sect. Founded in the 7th century and associated with Prince Shōtoku, its Sai-in precinct, centered on the Kondō (main hall) and five-story pagoda, is regarded as the oldest group of wooden buildings in the world. The temple grounds cover roughly 187,000 square meters.

Highlights

• ●The Sai-in precinct centered on the Kondō and the five-story pagoda, the world's oldest surviving wooden structures
• ●The Tō-in precinct centered on the Yumedono (Hall of Dreams)
• ●Buildings preserved as National Treasures and as a UNESCO World Heritage component
• ●Numerous cultural properties, including Buddhist statues and crafts from the Asuka and Nara periods

History

According to the inscription on the halo of the Kondō's Yakushi Nyorai image and the Jōgū Shōtoku Hōō Teisetsu, the temple was founded in 607 (the 15th year of Empress Suiko's reign). It was originally called Ikaruga-dera and later became known as Hōryū-ji. In 1993, together with Hokki-ji, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the Buddhist Monuments in the Hōryū-ji Area.

Map

34.6144, 135.7342 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1View the Kondō and five-story pagoda in the Sai-in precinct
2. 2Follow the corridors to take in the layout of the temple halls
3. 3Move to the Tō-in precinct and visit the Yumedono
4. 4Take in the Buddhist statues and crafts preserved on the grounds

Did you know?

💡 The temple is also known as Hōryū Gakumonji, once serving as a place for both learning and monastic practice.

Nearby spots