About Horyuji Temple
Horyuji Temple is the head temple of the Shotoku sect, located in Ikaruga-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara Prefecture. It is said to have been founded in 607 AD (the 15th year of Empress Suiko’s reign) by Prince Shotoku and Empress Suiko, and its official name is “Ikaruga-dera.”
The World’s Oldest Wooden Buildings
The most distinctive feature of Horyuji Temple is that it is the world’s oldest existing wooden building complex. The main hall and five-story pagoda of the Western Precinct are believed to have been built in the late 7th to early 8th centuries, boasting a history of over 1400 years. In 1993, it was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site as “Buddhist Monuments in the Horyuji Area,” the first such registration in Japan.
Main Highlights
Western Precinct
The Golden Hall is the main hall of Horyu-ji Temple, housing the Shakyamuni Triad (National Treasure), the Yakushi Nyorai (National Treasure), and the Amida Nyorai (National Treasure). The interior murals were damaged in a fire in 1949, but copies of the original murals remain.
The Five-Storied Pagoda is approximately 31.5 meters tall and is the oldest five-storied pagoda in Japan. The first floor contains a group of Nara period clay sculptures (National Treasure), depicting scenes from the life of Shakyamuni Buddha, arranged in the east, west, north, and south directions.
Eastern Precinct
The Yumedono (Dream Hall) is an octagonal hall built on the site of Prince Shotoku’s Ikaruga Palace during the Tenpyo period (739 AD). Inside is a life-size statue of Kannon (National Treasure), believed to be Prince Shotoku, which can only be viewed during special spring and autumn openings. ### Great Treasure Hall
This treasure hall displays the vast collection of cultural artifacts owned by Horyu-ji Temple, including the Kudara Kannon statue (National Treasure), the Tamamushi Shrine (National Treasure), and the Yumechigai Kannon statue (National Treasure). It houses approximately 2,300 National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, including Buddhist statues, paintings, and crafts.
Points to Note When Visiting
Visiting Hours and Admission Fees
- Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM from February 22nd to November 3rd, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM from November 4th to February 21st
- Admission Fee: 1,500 yen for adults, 750 yen for elementary school students (valid for the West Precinct, Great Treasure Hall, and East Precinct)
- Estimated Time Required: 2-3 hours is recommended for a thorough visit
Recommended Visiting Route
- Enter through the South Gate and proceed to the West Precinct
- Visit the Main Hall and Five-Storied Pagoda (clockwise through the corridors)
- Admire the numerous national treasures in the Great Treasure Hall
- Move to the East Precinct and visit the Yumedono Hall
- If time permits, also visit Chuguji Temple (adjacent)
Special Viewing Information
- Yumedono Hall and Kannon Statue: Open to the public during spring (April 11th – May 18th) and autumn (October 22nd – November 22nd)
- Reveal of Hidden Buddha Statues: A few times a year, normally closed Buddha statues are specially displayed.
Benefits and Faith
Center of Prince Shotoku Worship
Horyu-ji Temple, associated with Prince Shotoku, is believed to offer benefits such as academic success, protection from evil, and family safety. Prince Shotoku is especially revered as the god of learning, and many students and those preparing for exams visit the temple.
Main Benefits
- Academic Success/Prayer for Passing Exams: Drawing on the wisdom of Prince Shotoku
- Protection from Evil/Good Fortune: A sacred site that has attracted the faith of the Imperial family and nobility since ancient times
- Healing from Illness: Prayers to Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha)
- Rebirth in Paradise: Devotion to Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha)
Goshuin (Temple Seals)
Horyu-ji Temple offers multiple goshuin. Different goshuin are available at the Golden Hall, Yumedono (Dream Hall), and Daibozoin (Great Treasure Hall) in the Western Precinct (each from 300 yen).
Access
Access by Train
- From JR Horyuji Station:
- Approximately 20 minutes on foot
- Approximately 7 minutes by Nara Kotsu bus bound for “Horyuji Monzen,” get off at “Horyuji Monzen” bus stop, and it’s right there.
- From Kintetsu Tsutsui Station:
- Approximately 10 minutes by Nara Kotsu bus bound for “Oji Station,” get off at “Horyuji-mae” bus stop, and it’s a 5-minute walk.
Access by Car
- Approximately 10 minutes from Nishi-Meihan Expressway Horyuji IC
- Parking: Town-operated Horyuji Tourist Automobile Parking Lot (500 yen/day for regular cars, 120 spaces), and several other parking lots in the surrounding area.
Combining with Nearby Sightseeing
- Chugu-ji Temple (5 minutes on foot): Famous for its National Treasure, the Bodhisattva in a Half-Lotus Position
- Hoki-ji Temple (15 minutes on foot): An ancient temple with a beautiful three-story pagoda
- Nara City (approximately 30 minutes by train): Todai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, etc.
History and Cultural Properties
History of Founding and Reconstruction
Horyu-ji Temple was founded in 607 and is believed to have been destroyed by fire in 670. The current Western Precinct was rebuilt in the late 7th to early 8th century. The Eastern Precinct was built in 739 to commemorate the virtues of Prince Shotoku.
National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties
Horyu-ji Temple possesses approximately 190 national treasures and important cultural properties, totaling about 2,300 items, which is said to account for about 10% of Japan’s cultural properties. These encompass a wide range of items, including buildings, Buddhist statues, paintings, and crafts, making it a treasure trove of Buddhist art from the Asuka and Nara periods.
Basic Information
- Official Name: Horyuji Temple (Ikaruga Temple)
- Sect: Head Temple of the Shotoku Sect
- Principal Image: Shakyamuni Triad (Housed in the Main Hall)
- Founded: 15th year of Empress Suiko’s reign (607 AD)
- Founder: Prince Shotoku, Empress Suiko
- Address: 1-1 Horyuji-sannai, Ikaruga-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara Prefecture 636-0115
- Phone: 0745-75-2555
- Official Website: http://www.horyuji.or.jp/
Summary
Horyuji Temple, with a history of over 1400 years, is the world’s oldest wooden architectural complex and a valuable site that conveys the origins of Japanese Buddhist culture. As a temple associated with Prince Shotoku, it attracts many visitors seeking blessings for academic success and protection from evil, making it a must-see spot for Nara sightseeing. This temple houses numerous national treasures and is well worth spending time admiring.
