Horyu-ji Temple

The World’s Oldest

Surviving Wooden Architecture

Located in Ikaruga, just west of central Nara, Horyu-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a living monument to Japan’s earliest Buddhist culture. Originally commissioned by Prince Shotoku in 607, this historic temple complex is home to the world’s oldest surviving wooden buildings, standing strong for over 1,400 years despite earthquakes, fires, and wars.

Horyu-ji played a key role in the spread of Buddhism across Japan and served as a center of learning, art, and political thought during the Asuka period. Its Western Precinct (Sai-in) contains the iconic five-story pagoda, the Kondo (Main Hall), and the central gate, all dating to the late 7th century. These structures reflect both Japanese craftsmanship and continental influences from China and Korea.

Among its priceless treasures is the Shaka Triad, a masterful bronze Buddha statue cast in 623 by renowned sculptor Tori Busshi. The temple’s Gallery of Temple Treasures also houses paintings, sculptures, and relics of immense historical value.

For those drawn to ancient architecture, sacred history, and cultural continuity, Horyu-ji offers an unforgettable journey into Japan’s spiritual and artistic origins.

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.