Horyu-ji
法隆寺
The world's oldest wooden building complex, founded by Prince Shotoku. Its Golden Hall, five-story pagoda, and Kudara Kannon make it Japan's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Horyu-ji is located in Ikaruga town in Nara Prefecture, about 12 km from central Nara. Tradition holds that Prince Shotoku founded it in 607. The Golden Hall, five-story pagoda, central gate, and cloister of the Saiin Garan were built from the late 7th to the early 8th century. They form the oldest surviving wooden architectural complex in the world. In 1993, “Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area” became one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan. Suggested route: enter through the South Gate, pass through the central gate flanked by Japan’s oldest guardian figures, and enter the Saiin Garan. Inside the Golden Hall is the Shaka Triad from the Asuka period, made by the sculptor Tori Busshi and designated a National Treasure. The five-story pagoda stands about 32 meters tall, and the base contains a group of sculptures. Both buildings are notable for Asuka-style features, such as cloud-shaped brackets and manji-kuzushi railings. The columns gently swell at their midsection (entasis). Continue through the Lecture Hall, the Shoryoin, and on to the Daihozoin. This treasure hall displays many National Treasures, including the Kudara Kannon (about 2 meters tall and a slender Asuka-period wooden sculpture), the Tamamushi Shrine, and the Yumechigai Kannon. Then walk to the Yumedono in the Toin Garan, the octagonal hall built in 739. It houses the Kuse Kannon statue, which is said to be life-sized and is visible only during special openings in spring and autumn. Admission is 1,500 yen, covering the Saiin, Daihozoin, and Toin areas. Getting there: take the JR Yamato Line from Nara Station to Horyuji Station, about 12 minutes, then walk 20 minutes or take a bus for 5 minutes. There is also a direct bus from Kintetsu Nara Station, about 50 minutes. Allow about 2 hours. You can also visit nearby Chuguji, home to the half-lotus contemplative figure, and Hokki-ji. Note: most buildings prohibit photography inside. It is about a 10-minute walk between the Saiin and Toin areas. There are few restaurants in Ikaruga, so plan to have lunch at Horyuji Station.
Opening hours
February 22–November 3, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; November 4–February 21, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM