Horyu-ji

Temple

Prefecture

Nara

Type

Temple

N/A

1 review

Train Access Cafe

About This Destination

A UNESCO World Heritage site containing the world's oldest surviving wooden structures, dating back to the 7th century.

Horyu-ji is one of Japan's oldest and most important temples, founded by Prince Shotoku in 607. The temple complex contains the world's oldest surviving wooden structures, with the five-story pagoda and main hall dating to around 670 AD. Designated as Japan's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, the temple houses an extraordinary collection of Buddhist art spanning over 1,300 years, including the Kudara Kannon and the Tamamushi Shrine. The sprawling complex is divided into the Western Precinct with its iconic pagoda and the Eastern Precinct centered on the octagonal Yumedono Hall of Dreams.

Location

Prefecture: Nara

Address: Nara, Japan

Nearest Station: Horyuji

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: A small rest area near the temple entrance serves tea and light snacks. The approach road to the temple has several restaurants offering Japanese set meals and Nara specialties like kakinoha-zushi (persimmon leaf sushi).