Discover Hōryū-ji, One of Japan's Oldest Temples!
- Published on : 22/07/2026
- by : Clément
- Youtube
Hôryû-ji
@Jacob Hong on Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Located just south of Nara, Hōryū-ji (also known as Hōryū-ji Sannai) is renowned for housing the oldest surviving wooden buildings in Japan and is one of the country's oldest Buddhist temple complexes. Founded in 607 by Prince Shōtoku, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. Discover one of Japan's most remarkable historical and cultural landmarks with Japan Experience!
Prince Shōtoku, the Founder of Hōryū-ji
Prince Shōtoku is an almost legendary figure, as many ancient accounts have embellished his achievements over the centuries. According to reliable historical sources, however, he was the driving force behind a series of progressive reforms that helped shape Japanese society during the 7th century.
He is credited with introducing Japan's first constitution in 604, strengthening the centralization of government, and dispatching official embassies to China.
Prince Shōtoku was also one of the greatest patrons of Buddhism, which had begun spreading across the Japanese archipelago only a few decades earlier.
In 607, he founded Hōryū-ji, dedicating the temple to Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, as a prayer for the recovery of the ailing Emperor.
Prince Shotoku
@Wikimedia Commons
Exploring the Temple Grounds
The Hōryū-ji temple complex covers more than 187,000 square meters and is divided into two main areas: the Western Precinct (Sai-in) and the Eastern Precinct (Tō-in).
Entering the temple through the South Gate (Nandaimon) and then the Central Gate (Chūmon), visitors first arrive in the Western Precinct. This is where Hōryū-ji's five-story pagoda (Gojū-no-tō) and the Main Hall (Kondō) are located.
The precinct also includes several secondary gates, storehouses, the monks' living quarters, the refectory, and a number of traditional gardens.
A pathway leading east connects to the Eastern Precinct. Between the two precincts stands the Gallery of Temple Treasures, which houses an exceptional collection of Buddhist artworks and religious artifacts.
Hôryû-ji Main Hall
@Wikipedia Commons
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The World's Oldest Surviving Wooden Buildings
Hōryū-ji is renowned for its ancient wooden architecture. The Western Precinct is home to some of the oldest surviving wooden structures in the world.
More specifically, the Kondō, the temple's Main Hall, is widely recognized as the oldest surviving wooden building in the world.
It houses the temple's most sacred treasures: a remarkable collection of National Treasure Buddhist statues, including Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, and Amida Nyorai, the Buddha of the Pure Land.
Standing beside it is the five-story pagoda, which rises to over 33 meters and was built at roughly the same time as the Main Hall. Its central pillar is made from Japanese cypress felled as early as 594.
Hôryû-ji's pagoda
＠m-louis on Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0
Hōryū-ji was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 as part of the Buddhist Monuments in the Hōryū-ji Area. It is widely regarded as the finest surviving example of Asuka-period (538–710) Buddhist architecture. Built shortly after the introduction of Buddhism to Japan, the temple reflects the influence of Chinese architectural styles while incorporating distinctive adaptations that would become characteristic of Japanese architecture.
Its buildings also showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of the Japanese carpenters of the time, whose advanced construction techniques have enabled these wooden structures to withstand centuries of weathering and frequent earthquakes, ensuring their remarkable preservation.
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Visiting Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji is located in the town of Ikaruga, southeast of Nara.
The temple is easily accessible in around 10 minutes from JR Nara Station by taking a direct train to Hōryū-ji Station. From there, you can catch a bus to the temple entrance, or enjoy a 20-minute walk instead.
Hōryū-ji is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. between March and October, and from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. between November and February. Admission is ¥2,000 for adults and ¥1,000 for children, and includes entry to the Gallery of Temple Treasures.
The temple grounds are extensive, so allow 2 to 3 hours to explore the site at a your own pace.
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