Horyu-ji

Background

Hōryū-ji, in full Hōryū Gakumonji, stands in Ikaruga Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. In the Saiin (Western Precinct), the Kondō and the five-storey pagoda stand side by side, representative of early surviving wooden architecture; in the Tōin (Eastern Precinct), the octagonal Yumedono is associated with devotion to Prince Shōtoku; and the temple holds a large number of Buddhist statues and craft objects from the Asuka period onward. Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji together form the Buddhist Monuments in the Hōryū-ji Area, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1993. According to UNESCO, the property comprises 48 ancient wooden structures of the two temples, several of which date from the late 7th to early 8th century and rank among the oldest surviving wooden buildings. The phrase “the world's oldest wooden buildings” refers to early structures such as the Saiin Kondō and the five-storey pagoda, not to every building in the temple being original. According to the Nihon Shoki, the first temple was destroyed by fire in 670; the present precinct is the result of later rebuilding and centuries of repairs.

Local customs

• Enter through the Nandaimon (Great South Gate), first take in the side-by-side layout of the Saiin Kondō and five-storey pagoda, then head to the Yumedono area of the Tōin. The Kondō enshrines the Shaka Triad and other Buddhist statues, best viewed quietly
• the Daihōzōin (Great Treasure Gallery) brings together statues and craft objects. Allow half a day for an unhurried visit.

Travel tips

• The grounds are large and explored on foot, so wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on. Summers are hot and winter mornings cold — bring water and warm clothing as the season requires. Some halls are dimly lit with many steps
• if you have limited mobility, confirm in advance which areas you can visit. Check official announcements for admission.
• Take the JR Yamatoji Line to Hōryūji Station and walk from there, or change to a bus to the Hōryūji-mae area
• JR trains and buses also run from central Nara. Check official timetables on the day. The grounds are at their most scenic during spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, though crowds are larger
• summer is hot and humid, so go early in the morning
• winter brings fewer visitors and clear light, ideal for studying the buildings' exteriors.