Horyuji Temple
The world's oldest surviving wooden structures — the main hall (kondo) and five-storey pagoda were built in 607 CE and have stood for 1,400 years. A UNESCO World Heritage site and the temple founded by Prince Shotoku himself. The attached Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) houses Japan's most perfectly preserved 7th-century gilt bronze statue.
1.5–2 hours
¥1,500
8:00–17:00 (Feb 22–Nov 3); 8:00–16:30 (Nov 4–Feb 21)
Year-round
Horyuji Station on JR Yamatoji Line (25 min from Nara)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
The world's oldest wooden structures — standing continuously since 607 CE
- 2
The Yumedono statue (Guze Kannon) is revealed only twice a year — carved to Shotoku's exact proportions
- 3
UNESCO World Heritage and Japan's first designated National Treasure building
Local Tips
The world's oldest surviving wooden structures — some buildings date to 607 AD. The five-story pagoda and the Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) are the most significant. Take the Kintetsu Kashihara Line from Osaka-Namba (60 min) or Yamato-Yagi, not the JR line, for faster access. Allow 2–3 hours for the full complex.
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