Highlights

Central Gate (Chumon)

Chumon marks the entrance to the inner temple complex of the Western Precinct, which is where the Main Hall and Five-Story Pagoda are located. This two-story, four-bay structure is flanked by Japan’s two oldest Kongo Rikishi statues, or guardian deities.

bethom33

Main Hall (Kondo)

The Main Hall is one of the world’s oldest surviving wooden structures. The remarkable two-story building is decorated with dragon sculptures and features a tiled hip and gable roof typical of Asuka Period architecture. Inside, the hall contains Horyuji’s most important treasures, including elaborate murals of Buddha and bodhisattvas, bronze Buddha statues of Shaka Nyorai (historical Buddha), Yakushi Nyorai (Buddha of healing and medicine), and Amida Nyorai (Buddha of the Pure Land), and wooden statues of the Four Heavenly Kings (Shitenno).

m-louis .®

Five-Story Pagoda

Similar to the Kondo, the Five-Story Pagoda is one of the world’s oldest surviving wooden structures and dates back to the Asuka Period, reflecting a traditional design of that time. The 32.5-meter-tall pagoda houses a collection of clay statues dating back to 711 that depict four scenes from Buddha’s life.

m-louis .®

Great Lecture Hall (Daikodo)

Located north of the Main Hall and Five-Story Pagoda is the Great Lecture Hall. This one-story building was built in 990 after the original structure was destroyed by a fire. The lecture hall enshrines a seated statue of Yakushi Nyorai flanked by two bodhisattvas, Nikko and Gakko.

PrakichTreetasayuth

Gallery of Temple Treasures (Daihozoden)

East of the Kondo is the Gallery of Temple Treasures, which is a recent addition completed in 1998. The two buildings contain important Buddhist relics, including Yumetagai Kannon, portraits of Prince Shotoku, a Kudara Kannon statue, ancient masks, and more.

Franek N

Hall of Visions (Yumedono)

Yumedono, located in the Eastern Precinct, is an easily recognizable octagon-shaped structure dedicated to Prince Shotoku. The building is home to a life-sized, gold-foiled statue of Prince Shotoku called Kuse Kannon. This mysterious statue was wrapped in silk and hidden for centuries to preserve its power of saving people from suffering. However in 1884, the statue was unveiled, and is now open to the public twice a year in spring and autumn.

Christian Kaden

Access

Take the Yamatoji Line from JR Nara Station to Horyuji Station (12-13 minutes). From Horyuji Station, the temple is about a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute bus ride via local bus number 72. Alternatively, you can take bus number 97 from JR Nara or Kintetsu Nara Station to Horyuji-mae bus stop (about one hour), which is a few minutes walk from the temple.