Horyu-ji Temple

The World’s Oldest

Surviving Wooden Architecture

Horyuji Temple is an important Buddhist temple complex in Ikaruga, Nara, 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 makes Horyuji especially valuable for understanding both the early introduction of Buddhism to Japan and the development of temple architecture in the Asuka period.

The site is composed of western and eastern precincts and preserves a large number of historic buildings and Buddhist works. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area,” it is recognized for its architectural and historical importance.

For visitors, Horyuji offers a clear introduction to the religious, artistic, and architectural world of early Japan.

Explore the Sights

See photos that bring Horyu-ji Temple to life.

A traditional Japanese temple entrance, framed by tall trees and a stone pathway leading to the gate.
Traditional Japanese temple seen through a wooden gate, with stone pathway, trees, and a cloudy sky in the background.
A traditional Japanese temple with pagoda, surrounded by trees, under a partly cloudy sky, with visitors walking on stone-paved courtyard.
A traditional Japanese five-story pagoda under a partly cloudy sky, surrounded by other temple buildings and trees.
Traditional Japanese temple with multiple tiers, wooden architecture, curved tiled roofs, and surrounding trees under a blue sky with clouds.
Traditional Japanese temple with a wooden building, tiled roof, and white walls, set against a partly cloudy blue sky. An ornate bronze lantern is in the foreground.
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.
A traditional Japanese temple with a curved tiled roof, surrounded by green pine trees, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Traditional Japanese wooden building with tiled roof, surrounded by trees and a sandy courtyard.
Traditional Japanese temple with wooden architecture, a tiled roof, and a pagoda spire in the background, surrounded by green pine trees and a blue sky with clouds.
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.
A traditional Japanese temple with wooden structure, pagoda roof, and stone steps, set against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
Traditional Japanese wooden building with a tiled roof, steps leading to the entrance, and a gravel courtyard under a blue sky with clouds.
Traditional Japanese wooden temple with tiered roof and intricate detailing, set against a blue sky.
Traditional Japanese pagoda surrounded by lush trees with a clear sky in the background.