Horyu-ji

Temple

法隆寺

Home to the World's Oldest

Surviving Wooden Buildings

Recognized as home to the world's oldest surviving wooden buildings, Horyu-ji Temple is one of Japan's most important Buddhist temple complexes. Traditionally associated with Prince Shotoku and Empress Suiko, the temple was first founded in the early 7th century, while the present main complex is generally understood to have taken shape after a fire recorded in 670. This history makes Horyu-ji indispensable to understanding both the early spread of Buddhism in Japan and the development of Asuka-period temple architecture.

The temple is divided into western and eastern precincts, preserving an exceptional collection of historic buildings, Buddhist sculptures, and other cultural treasures. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage property Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area, Horyu-ji is internationally recognized for its outstanding architectural, artistic, and historical significance.

For visitors, Horyu-ji offers a remarkable opportunity to experience the religious, artistic, and architectural achievements that shaped the beginnings of Japanese Buddhism.

A traditional Japanese temple entrance, framed by tall trees and a stone pathway leading to the gate.
A traditional Japanese temple with pagoda, surrounded by trees, under a partly cloudy sky, with visitors walking on stone-paved courtyard.
Traditional Japanese temple with multiple tiers, wooden architecture, curved tiled roofs, and surrounding trees under a blue sky with clouds.
Traditional wooden structure with wooden beams, pillars, and latticework, situated on a smooth concrete floor with partial view of a tiled roof on the right and open space beyond.
Traditional Japanese building with wooden and white walls, a tiled roof, trees, and a gravel path in front.
Traditional Japanese temple with wooden architecture and white curtains with brown emblem designs hanging in openings, a person in white walking nearby.
A traditional Japanese wooden temple surrounded by pine trees under a partly cloudy sky.
A traditional multi-story pagoda with curved eaves and wooden construction, set in an open courtyard with trees and other wooden buildings around.
Traditional Japanese wooden building with tiled roof, surrounded by trees and a sandy courtyard.
Traditional Japanese temple gate with wooden beams, tiled roof, and a stone wall under a blue sky.
A traditional Japanese wooden building with a curved, ornate roof, accessed by stone steps, under a blue sky with a few clouds.
Traditional Japanese pagoda surrounded by lush trees with a clear sky in the background.
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