2025 Ikaruga Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

If you're curious about what Nara has to offer, let me introduce you to some amazing spots in this beautiful area. 1️⃣ Murou Art Forest Address: 181 Murou, Uda City, Nara Prefecture, 633-0421 Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Highlights: A park designed by sculptors. Although access might be a bit challenging, it's definitely worth the visit! 2️⃣ Todai-ji Temple Address: 406-1 Zoshi-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8587 Hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM Highlights: If you haven't visited yet, the Great Buddha of Nara is a must-see! Nearby, you'll find Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Nara Park, where you can enjoy watching wild deer roaming freely. 3️⃣ Horyu-ji Temple Address: 1-1 Horyuji Sannai, Ikaruga Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture, 636-0115 Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Highlights: Compared to the bustling Todai-ji Temple, Horyu-ji is less crowded due to its location away from the city center, allowing for a more relaxed sightseeing experience. 4️⃣ Nara Beer Brewery in Naramachi Address: 956-2 Kidera-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8306 Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Highlights: Located in the historic district of Naramachi, this brewery offers not only delicious beer but also great food! Hope you find this helpful 🥰🥰

After arriving in Osaka from Kyoto, the journey enters a new phase! The upcoming itinerary includes not only historic cities but also bustling shopping districts, world-class theme parks, and Nara, where you can interact with friendly deer—packed with excitement! ⸻ Day 6｜Himeji Castle & Kobe Stroll Today, head to Hyogo Prefecture, with the first stop at the World Cultural Heritage site, #Himeji Castle. This iconic Japanese castle is famous for its pure white exterior and is known as the "White Heron Castle." Climb up to the main keep to overlook the entire #Himeji City, offering a spectacular view. Next, take a ride to #Kobe. First, visit #Ikuta Shrine, dedicated to the gods of love and business prosperity, for a blessing. Then stroll into #Nankinmachi, the largest Chinatown in Kansai, where you can savor various Chinese delicacies like shumai, xiaolongbao, and meat buns, fully satisfying your taste buds. ⸻ Day 7｜Universal Studios Japan, Fun All Day Long! This day is dedicated to Japan’s #Universal Studios! From the Hogwarts Castle in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the thrilling Flying Dinosaur roller coaster, plus various limited-time events, immerse yourself in a world of entertainment all day long. When you get tired, don’t forget to grab a burger at #Shake Shack to end the day deliciously. ⸻ Day 8｜Osaka Street Stroll After moving to a hotel near #Tsutenkaku, start by shopping at #Nipponbashi, famous for electronics and anime goods. You can also enjoy fresh seafood and Japanese snacks at the nearby #Kuromon Market. In the afternoon, head to Osaka’s liveliest areas—#Shinsaibashi and #Dotonbori. From cosmetics, clothing, and groceries to souvenirs, you’ll find everything here. You can also take a Dotonbori river cruise to admire this bustling city from the water and experience Osaka’s unique "water city" charm. ⸻ Day 9｜Tsutenkaku, Osaka Port, Umeda Shopping Today, start by ascending #Tsutenkaku to overlook Osaka’s cityscape. Although not very tall, this landmark building is full of nostalgic Showa-era vibes. Then head to #Umeda, home to many large shopping malls and department stores, perfect for shopping or relaxing at a café. In the afternoon, visit #Osaka Port to enjoy the sea view and sea breeze, perfectly concluding your Osaka itinerary. ⸻ Day 10｜Nara Day Trip, Play with the Deer When in Kansai, how can you miss #Nara? The first stop is #Horyu-ji, the world’s oldest wooden building, where you can feel the serene atmosphere of a thousand years of history. Then head to #Higashimuki Shopping Street for lunch, offering a wide variety of ramen, sushi, and Japanese snacks. In the afternoon, visit #Nara Park for an intimate encounter with the deer. Buy deer crackers to feed them and experience the adorable moment when the deer "nod" to ask for food! Finally, enter Todai-ji to admire one of the world’s largest wooden buildings, #Todai-ji, ending this trip with a magnificent finale. ⸻ Day 11｜Last Shopping & Departure On the last day, although it’s the departure day, there’s still time for some final shopping! Take a trip to #Rinku Premium Outlets, a great place for brand discount stores and a perfect spot for a shopping spree. After grabbing your souvenirs, head to #Kansai Airport, carrying full memories and loaded luggage back home✈️ This trip spans #Kyoto, #Osaka, #Hyogo, and #Nara, covering history, scenery, cuisine, and entertainment—all in one. Kansai truly never gets old!

Nara is a place full of history and cute animals. It boasts world-class cultural heritage sites and a group of incredibly adorable deer, making it a must-visit destination in Kansai! In this series, I'll share my journey through Nara, from ancient temples to bustling shopping streets, in two parts. 📍Horyu-ji Temple - The World's Oldest Wooden Building Our first stop in Nara is, of course, steeped in history! Horyu-ji Temple is the world's oldest wooden building, and the entire temple complex is vast. Walking through it, you can truly feel the traces of a thousand years of history. The buildings are incredibly well-preserved, and every detail is awe-inspiring. History enthusiasts will absolutely love this place! 📍Nara Park - Joyful Times with the Deer Next, we head to Nara's most iconic spot - Nara Park! The deer here are simply amazing and are the soul of Nara! However, these deer have various personalities. Some are extremely friendly and will rush over if they see you have deer crackers, while others are very aloof and won't pay you any attention, even acting a bit haughty 😃. You can buy deer crackers in the park, but I strongly recommend not feeding them all at once! We'll be visiting Todai-ji Temple next, where there are also many deer, so save some crackers to avoid any regrets. A Sudden Surprise - Nara's Festival! I thought today would be just an ordinary day in Nara, but I was lucky enough to stumble upon a festival! As I walked down the street, I heard lively sounds from afar. Moving closer, I saw a large crowd gathered, with people dancing in traditional Japanese clothing and others waving large flags. The whole street instantly came alive. (Stay tuned for the next part, where I'll take you to see the magnificent Great Buddha and explore Nara's unique shopping streets!)

It's a basic travel destination, but I think many people say it's their second visit. When I talk to people at hostels, many of them say the same thing. The first time was on a school trip. The second time was when they became adults and something triggered their visit. Japan's first World Heritage Site, Horyuji Temple, offers not only spatial travel but also "time travel." It may be a place that "stops time for a little while" for those who visit, while watching over the eternal passage of time. #gw2022jp

The five-story pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Japan, has a fifth story axis that is half the size of the first story, and this, combined with the deep eaves, gives it a sense of stability. As the oldest wooden building in Japan, it is truly impressive. The entire Horyuji Temple is magnificent. I felt the eternity of Yamato's ancient temples. #trip2022 #breathtakingviews #worldheritage

Not many tourists go there so that you can enjoy the peaceful time. The whole ticket is ¥1500 for 3 parts visit, strongly recommended. You can see the oldest building in the west of the temple, including the main hall for Buddha and the 5 storey tower. Better sit down and feel the peaceful. There is the other memorial hall in the east side of the temple. #GiveThanks

#mytraveldiary Horyu-ji is one of the world’s oldest wooden buildings, and I could feel the weight of history in its beams and pagoda. Knowing it dates back to the 7th century made walking through its grounds awe-inspiring. The temple complex is vast, with treasures of Buddhist art displayed in its galleries. The five-story pagoda stood gracefully, embodying centuries of faith. What struck me most was the sense of timelessness — a place where history hasn’t just been preserved, but continues to live. Horyu-ji is a true treasure of Japan. #mytraveldiary

After visiting a grave in Kyoto, I went on a solo overnight trip to Nara. It was a relaxing experience and the best! I also recommend this lodging.

Horyu-ji, which left a strong impression on me during history lessons. I always wanted to visit someday, and finally, I was able to visit Nara. I leisurely walked from the station to the temple. Horyu-ji, located in Ikaruga Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture, is famous as the "world's oldest wooden architectural complex." It was founded in the 7th century by Empress Suiko and Prince Shotoku, boasting a history of over 1,300 years. The five-story pagoda, main hall, and corridors are neatly aligned, exuding a solemnity as if time has stopped. Yet, walking through the precincts, there is a gentle atmosphere that calms the heart. Packed with national treasures and important cultural properties, it’s an irresistible spot for those who love Buddhist statues. 【Tourist Information】 • Location: 1-1 Horyuji Sannai, Ikaruga Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture • Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (until 4:30 PM from November 4 to February 21) • Admission Fee: Adults 1,500 yen, elementary school students 750 yen (common ticket for Sai-in, To-in, and Daihozo-in) • Access: About a 20-minute walk from JR Horyu-ji Station, or about 10 minutes by bus • Nearby Spots: Chugu-ji Temple, Hokki-ji Temple, Fujinoki Kofun, and more Horyu-ji is not just a historical site but a place where you can experience the "origin" of Japanese culture. As you leisurely walk through the spacious precincts, you can feel the breath of the trees and buildings that have crossed over 1,000 years of time.

#asiabudgetchallenge Destination: Hōki‑ji, located in Ikaruga near Hōryū‑ji, is one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, founded around 638–708 on the former palace of Prince Shōtoku and completed by his son . Its standout feature is Japan’s oldest original three‑story pagoda, built in 706—a designated National Treasure standing 24 m tall. The main hall houses the graceful eleven‑faced Kannon Bosatsu, a revered icon inspired by Empress Kōmyō. The tranquil setting with surrounding rice paddies and wild cosmos flowers in autumn adds natural beauty. Rough Budget: Entry fee is ¥300, with ¥200 for children. Local bus fare from Nara or nearby stations (~¥300) keeps total cost under ¥700. #1 Travel Hack: Visit in autumn, when cosmos bloom around the pagoda, and pair the trip with Hōryū‑ji nearby to enjoy two peaceful UNESCO sites on foot or via local bus—perfect for a half-day out of Nara.

As Japan's first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, Horyu-ji Temple, located in Ikaruga, Nara, boasts the world's oldest surviving wooden structures. Bearing witness to over 1,300 years of history since the Asuka period, it is often referred to as the "Gateway to Time." 🕊 The Origin of the Temple｜A Fulfilled Wish Horyu-ji was built in 607 by Prince Shotoku to honor his father, Emperor Yomei's, unfulfilled wish. Although it was destroyed by lightning in 670, the reconstructed buildings have preserved the Asuka period's architectural style. In 1993, Horyu-ji became Japan's first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. 🌟 Must-See Highlights of Horyu-ji 🏯 1｜The Asuka Gate That Stands the Test of Time—Chumon (Central Gate) The first sight upon entering Horyu-ji is the "Chumon," a prime example of Asuka period architecture. Flanked by Japan's oldest Nio guardian statues, this gate has weathered a millennium and remains majestic, making it a perfect photo spot! 🛕 2｜The World's Oldest Wooden Buddha Hall—Kondo (Main Hall) The "Kondo," which enshrines the Shaka Triad Buddha statues, is considered one of the world's oldest wooden structures. The statues, preserved since 623, are the soul of Horyu-ji and the core of its spiritual faith. 🗼 3｜Japan's Oldest Pagoda—Five-Story Pagoda Standing 32 meters tall, the Five-Story Pagoda is Japan's oldest wooden pagoda. Its earthquake-resistant design is a testament to ancient craftsmanship. Inside, you'll find a rare collection of statues inspired by the Buddhist scripture "Vimalakirti Sutra." 🪔 4｜The Rebuilt Lecture Hall—Daikodo The Daikodo, a place for monks to study, houses the Yakushi Triad statues. Although it was once destroyed by fire, the current reconstruction remains grand and solemn, offering a great vantage point to view the temple's layout. 🏺 5｜A Treasure Trove of Buddhist Art—The Great Treasure Hall Built in 1998, this treasure hall was designed to preserve numerous national treasures. From the Baekje Kannon to the Tamamushi Shrine and the Nine-Faced Kannon, each exhibit tells the story of Japan's Buddhist art heritage. 🛕 6｜The Octagonal Hall of Prince Shotoku's Faith—Yumedono Located on the site of Prince Shotoku's former residence, Yumedono enshrines a life-sized statue of the prince, radiating golden light and exuding mystery and solemnity. Its octagonal design makes it a standout feature and the centerpiece of the Eastern Precinct. 🚌 How to Get There｜Traveling to Ikaruga Getting there from Osaka is convenient. Take the JR Yamatoji Line → Alight at Horyu-ji Station, then choose: A 20-minute walk or take the "Horyu-ji Sando" bus (⚠️ Limited bus services! Walking offers more flexibility). Address: Ikaruga, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture ⏰ Opening Hours: Spring/Summer 8:00-17:00｜Winter 8:00-16:30 🎫 Admission: Adults ¥2,000 (A priceless ticket to a thousand-year-old treasure!) ❤️ Final Thoughts If you're looking for a journey that truly "transcends time," Horyu-ji is a must-visit. Here, you can almost hear the whispers of ancient wood and feel the original warmth of Japanese Buddhist culture.

Horyu-ji Temple is one of Japan's oldest religious and cultural treasures, located in Ikaruga City, Nara Prefecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist temple and is home to the world's oldest wooden building. The beauty of this temple lies not only in its ancient architecture, but also in its deep sense of faith and serenity. As you enter the temple grounds, you will find a unique five-story pagoda, the Kondo (Golden Pavilion) housing an ancient Buddha statue, and traditional temple halls surrounded by large trees and stone walkways. The gentle sound of the wind blowing through the leaves makes you feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Asuka period. The budget for a day trip is around 1,500–2,000 baht, including the temple entrance fee (approximately 1,500 yen), transportation costs, and a local lunch. Travel from JR Nara Station or get off at JR Horyuji Station and take a bus or walk for about 20 minutes. If you are passionate about history, serenity, and timeless beauty, Horyu-ji Temple is a place you should visit at least once in your life. This is not just a trip, but a true experience of the Japanese spirit. #GetDiscountsWithoutLuck #TravelJapan

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 Horyuji Temple: A Palace of Culture Horyu-ji Temple is located in Nara and is a world cultural heritage site famous for its profound history and cultural heritage. When you step into this ancient temple, you will be immediately surrounded by a strong cultural atmosphere, as if you have gone back in time to Japan thousands of years ago. The architecture in the temple is magnificent, and the exquisite wood carvings and Buddha statues are amazing, all of which demonstrate the superb skills of the craftsmen at that time. Here, you can quietly appreciate every detail and feel the weight of history and the sacredness of religion. Wandering through the temple grounds, you may find yourself unconsciously immersed in this cultural atmosphere, as if you have become a person with profound cultural literacy. Horyuji Temple is not just a tourist attraction, but also a cultural journey where every visitor can find their own inspiration and thoughts about history. We hope you will be deeply moved by your exploration of Horyu-ji Temple! ⛩️📜✨

🥢 Heimo Horyuji Branch 📍 Horyuji, Nara (10 minutes by bus from JR Horyuji Station) This time, I ordered the Nara Lunch (2000 yen) 📝 A well-balanced set menu of traditional Nara dishes ✨ ・ Boiled Miwa Somen noodles ・ Deep-fried mackerel ・ Persimmon leaf sushi (mackerel and salmon) ・ Lightly pickled vegetables ・ Warabi mochi The set menu is very substantial and impressive in that everything is elegantly seasoned and easy to eat ✨ The boiled Miwa Somen noodles have a light broth that seeps into your body and has a gentle taste that is comforting and calming 💗 The deep-fried mackerel has a strong fatty mackerel flavor and goes perfectly with the crispy batter! The persimmon leaf sushi is a luxurious combination of two types of sushi, mackerel and salmon 🍣 The mackerel persimmon leaf sushi had a strong flavor and presence, while the salmon persimmon leaf sushi had a gentle taste that left an impression. I was happy to be able to enjoy the difference between the two💕 The warabimochi was the perfect dessert with its chewy texture and subtle sweetness✨ It was a lunch where you could enjoy Nara's specialties all at once☺️ ✍️The interior of the restaurant has a warm Japanese atmosphere and you can enjoy your meal at your own pace. The self-service water and tea are also attractive, making it a relaxing place to spend your time◎ There were plenty of seats available. You can also buy persimmon leaf sushi as a souvenir 🙆♀️ . . . . 📌1-8-40 Horyuji, Ikaruga-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara Prefecture 🕒Food and drink 11:00 - 15:00 🗓Open every day . . . . #Heimou#HeimouHoryuujiStore#HoryuujiLunch#HoryuujiGourmet#NaraGourmet#NaraLunch#PersimmonLeafSushi#Nyumen#NaraTourism#NaraTrip#NaraOuting#0YenTravelFebruary2025

#Kyoto Attractions Nara's Horyuji Temple is the first temple in Japan to be listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site and has a profound cultural heritage. Built in the 7th century, this temple is an important symbol of the introduction of Buddhism to Japan, and showcases the sophisticated architectural techniques and artistic styles of the time. The architectural complex of Horyu-ji Temple includes the Five-Storied Pagoda and the Golden Hall, structures that not only have religious significance but also reflect the society and culture of the time. The murals and carvings inside the temple are equally amazing, showcasing the superb skills of ancient craftsmen. Walking in the courtyard of Horyu-ji Temple, it feels like traveling back in time and feeling the profound influence of Buddhist culture. This is not only a place of faith, but also a great place to learn about Japanese history and culture. Whether for history buffs or travelers seeking tranquility, Horyu-ji Temple offers a unique cultural experience. #2月好地方2025

#0yentravelFebruary2025 [Horyu-ji Temple] 🕰️Business hours: 0800-1630 🏖️Atmosphere/facilities: ◯ 📍Address: 1-1, Horyuji-sanuchi, Ikaruga-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara 636-0115 💰Price per person: 1500 and up 💞Reasons for recommendation: We visited Horyuji Temple in Nara 🤍 It is the oldest wooden building in the world and a temple with a wonderful history as a World Heritage Site‼ ︎ As you would expect from a World Heritage Site, it had a solemn atmosphere without any flashy decorations☺️ It does not have the currently popular Instagram-worthy elements, but is a temple where you can feel Prince Shotoku and history😁

The first time I came to Japan was in 2008, on February 7, 2025, from Daxing Airport to Osaka Kansai Airport. February 8, Osaka Umeda, Shinsaibashi. A lot of people, a bit messy, not suitable for the elderly [Angel] February 9, Nara Horyuji Temple. Not a check-in place for young people, just quietly looking at the ancient architecture, a wooden Buddhist temple built by Prince Shotoku in 607 AD during the Asuka period. The architectural design was influenced by the architecture of the Southern and Northern Dynasties in my country. It is divided into two courtyards, the East and West. The West courtyard preserves the Golden Hall and the Five-Storied Pagoda; the East courtyard has the Dream Hall, etc. The West courtyard's Buddhist Temple is the oldest wooden structure in the world, and of course, the shadow of ancient Chinese architecture can be seen everywhere. Feeding the deer in Nara Park, there are so many deer🦌, they don’t look very good, maybe because they have no antlers, their color is gray-brown. Kofuku-ji Temple and Todai-ji Temple were shocked by the "Daikegonji Temple" at the south gate! The establishment of Todaiji Temple originated from Wu Zetian's construction of heaven in Ziwei City in Luoyang and the carving of Vairocana Buddha in Longmen Grottoes. Todaiji Temple has a special connection with the Chinese Buddhist community because the eminent Tang Dynasty monk Jianzhen once taught the Vinaya here. Kasuga Taisha Shrine On February 11, plum blossoms bloomed in Osaka Castle Park, Osaka Castle Tower, and Plum Grove, with a light fragrance.

#0yentravelJanuary2025 [Daihozo-in Temple] 🕰️Business hours: 0800-1700 🏖️Atmosphere/facilities: ◯ 📍Location: Horyuji-san, Ikaruga-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara Prefecture 636-0115 💰Price per person: 1500~ 💞Reasons for recommendation: All of Horyuji's famous national treasures are here🤍 I was surprised at how big the Tamamushi Shrine is, which is familiar from textbooks! ︎ In order to protect the artworks, the interior is dim and difficult to see,, The surrounding area is also painted with highly colorful paints, similar to what we would call oil paintings today, and Buddhist scriptures are painted on all four sides, but since it's been 1200 years, some parts are blurry and difficult to see unless you read the explanations beforehand! ︎

Ikaruga Town in Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture, is home to the ancient temple of Horyu-ji, which boasts one of the oldest wooden structures in the world, dating back to the Asuka period in 607 AD. It was listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1993. The five-story pagoda and the Kondo adorned with dragon pillars are the most striking features.

When it comes to ancient buildings in Nara, most people think of Toshodai-ji Temple. Here, we introduce another ancient building in Nara, the World Heritage Site Horyu-ji Temple. 🚉Transportation: Take the JR to Horyu-ji Station, then take a bus to the temple. ❤Recommended reason: The five-story pagoda and the main hall are beautiful from every angle on a nice day. 📝Tips: It takes about an hour to tour the temple. Pay attention to the closing time. The bus fare is 220 yen, and you can use an IC card.

In the early winter when the maple leaves turn red, I visited Nara Horyu-ji Temple for the third time. Built in 605 AD, Horyu-ji Temple covers an area of about 187,000 square meters and has 48 buildings from the late 7th century or early 8th century AD. It is the oldest existing wooden building complex in the world and was listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1993. The outstanding importance of the Horyu-ji Temple complex lies not only in its depiction of the art history of Chinese Buddhist architecture and layout integrated into Japanese culture, but also in its testimony to a period of religious history when Chinese Buddhism was introduced from the Korean Peninsula and the ideology was established at the same time. There are no crowds of tourists here, only the elegant yellow walls and black tiles, which tell the extraordinary story of this place.

#Osaka Attractions Nishien-in is a tranquil Japanese garden. Walking into this quiet space, you will feel a peaceful atmosphere, as if time has stopped here. The careful landscape design cleverly arranges every stone and every piece of sand, making people feel as if they are in an exquisite painting. 🏞️ The dry landscape here symbolizes a miniature of mountains and rivers, allowing people to feel the magnificence and harmony of nature. You can sit leisurely on a bench in the garden, quietly appreciate the tranquility, and your mind will be freed. 🌊 Xiyuanyuan also has a tea ceremony experience area where you can taste authentic Japanese matcha and feel the elegance and tranquility of the tea ceremony. This is a good place for people to slow down and savor the tea, letting their minds find peace while sipping tea. 🍵

#FuriTabi To Horyuji Temple in Nara Prefecture ☺️ Japan's first World Heritage Site. Horyuji Temple is also said to be associated with Prince Shotoku, and is the oldest temple in Japan, having been founded in the 7th century. It is said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku and Empress Suiko. The highlights are the Golden Hall, the five-story pagoda that is the symbol of Horyuji Temple, and the Great Lecture Hall. It was amazing ☺️ I could really feel the history. ————————————————————————— 📍Location: 1-1 Horyuji Yamauchi, Ikaruga-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara Prefecture 🕰️Opening hours: 8:00-17:00 💰Price per person: ¥1500

10 minutes by train from Nara station, you can get to the oldest wooden structures on earth - the Horyu Ji, built 1350 years from now. It’s a complex composed by more than 50 buildings and pagodas, all in a magnificent vibe of history and beauty. Also there is a modern museum within the complex that exhibit some of the most incredible treasures of Japan. Totally worth the trip ! #100waysoftravel

| Nara·Hokki-ji. Hokki-ji is about a 20-minute walk from Horyu-ji, and when Horyu-ji was included in the World Heritage in 1993, Hokki-ji, as a building within the precincts of Horyu-ji, was also included. The signature of Hokki-ji is its three-story pagoda, which is the oldest three-story pagoda in Japan, built during the Asuka period of Japan, in the year 706 AD. At that time, China was in the Tang Dynasty, and Empress Wu Zetian had just died the previous year, with Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, Li Xian, succeeding to the throne. Japan's Asuka period began in 592 AD, when Empress Suiko, the first female emperor in Japanese history, ascended to the throne. That year, the Chinese mainland was under the 'Kaihuang's administration' of Emperor Wen of Sui. In 593, Empress Suiko appointed Prince Shotoku, the son of Emperor Yomei, as the crown prince and regent, who is the famous 'Prince Shotoku' in Japanese history and the history of Buddhism in Japan. Prince Shotoku devoted his life to the promotion of Buddhism, and Hokki-ji is said to be one of the seven temples established by Prince Shotoku. The origin of Hokki-ji and the exact date of the Hokki-ji three-story pagoda are both derived from the 'Private Chronicles of Prince Shotoku' written by the Horyu-ji monk Kenshin during the Kamakura period (13th century). According to the inscription of the Hokki-ji three-story pagoda's 'sorin' (the pagoda's finial, the original of which no longer exists) recorded in the book: The establishment of Hokki-ji was based on the last wish of Prince Shotoku before his death in 622, to convert his residence, Okamoto Palace, into a temple. In 638, the monks of the time rebuilt the Golden Hall (Okamoto Palace had been burned down), and the construction of the pagoda began in 685, with the 'sorin' being made only in 706. According to the inscription, it took over 80 years from Prince Shotoku's last wish to the completion of the pagoda, and over 20 years just for the construction of the pagoda itself, which of course has much to be scrutinized. As we have written before, the modern major repairs of ancient Japanese buildings began with the Meiji restoration of ancient buildings in Nara, led by Tadashi Sekino in 1897. In addition to the Shin-Yakushi-ji we have written about, the first batch of ancient buildings to be repaired included the three-story pagoda of Hokki-ji. Interestingly, during the Meiji restoration, the central pillar of the Hokki-ji three-story pagoda was replaced due to decay, with about 4-5 centimeters being cut off and replaced. According to the research by Japanese dendrochronology scholars on the replaced part, the outermost tree ring was formed in 572 AD - over 100 years earlier than the initial construction date of the pagoda recorded in the 'sorin' inscription... In any case, although scholars generally accept that the Hokki-ji three-story pagoda was built during the Asuka period based on the style of the pagoda and documentary records, the exact date of its construction is actually in the state of 'since there is no strong evidence to refute the documentary records, we tentatively believe what is written in the book.'

Horyuji Five-Story Pagoda (593-709) Asuka Period Horyuji is composed of the Western Precinct with the Golden Hall and Five-Story Pagoda at its core, the Eastern Precinct centered around the Dream Hall, and numerous sub-temples along the temple area's roads, encapsulating the essence of historical Buddhist architecture. The Western Precinct's garan is famous for having the world's oldest surviving wooden structures, the Golden Hall and Five-Story Pagoda. According to records, in the ninth year of Emperor Tenji (670), the Ikaruga Temple caught fire and was reduced to ashes. Around this record, debates over the reconstruction or non-reconstruction of Horyuji unfolded, leaving behind many important research materials. The Golden Hall and Five-Story Pagoda were rebuilt on the northern part of the burned Ikaruga Temple ruins (Wakakusa Garan), led by Horyuji monks and the Soga family, who were related to Prince Shotoku. The main builders were descendants of craftsmen who had crossed the sea from Baekje and Goguryeo. Today, Horyuji's Five-Story Pagoda, Golden Hall, and Central Gate are important remnants of the Asuka style, with cloud-shaped brackets and shuttle columns as its unique features. The construction of the Five-Story Pagoda was slightly later than the Golden Hall, with each successive floor decreasing in size, the topmost floor being only half the side length of the first, to match the Golden Hall in form and also to add eaves, making the internal structure of the actual pagoda more rational. The bracket arms penetrate the interior of the building to provide support, whereas in the Golden Hall, to avoid disrupting the space for worshiping Buddha, the bracket arms do not penetrate the inner array. The reconstructed Five-Story Pagoda is smaller in scale compared to the Wakakusa Garan Pagoda, with only the first floor being used. The foundation combines the styles of pillar holes and stone bases, with the relics sealed beneath the central pillar. Another Asuka period wooden pagoda: Hokki-ji Three-Story Pagoda The ancient architectural complex of Horyuji and Hokki-ji were jointly inscribed on the World Heritage List as 'Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area' in 1993.

When I was traveling to Nara, I wanted to try some Nara specialties, so I went to "Kaki no Ha Sushi Heimou" for lunch after visiting Horyuji Temple!!! *There are several stores in Nara Prefecture, and this was the Horyuji store!!! They sell takeaway kaki no ha sushi, but they also have an eat-in space, so you can eat your lunch there and then🙆♀️ ▼Menu I ordered 🥢Nara Lunch 1,900 yen This lunch comes with 4 rolls of kaki no ha sushi, somen noodles, tempura, sesame tofu, a Japanese spinach dish, and a stew! Not only was the persimmon leaf sushi delicious, but the somen noodles were also delicious 👀 They use Miwa somen noodles, which are famous in Nara, and they have a nice chewy texture, making them the most delicious somen noodles I've ever eaten 🤤 🐟 Yuzuan grilled mackerel sushi 1,500 yen Comes with 7 rolls of grilled mackerel sushi and mini somen noodles 🥢 The grilled mackerel had a soft yuzu scent and tasted like mackerel simmered in miso, and was really delicious!!! I wonder if you get tired of the same taste for 7 rolls? I thought, but I ate it all up without getting bored at all!! There is also a store near Nara Station, so if you go to Nara, please go and check it out!!! ---- 📍Access to Horyuji store 👣About 20 minutes walk from JR Horyuji Station *It is about 5 minutes walk from the South Gate of Horyuji, so it is recommended to go there after visiting Horyuji!!! 🍣Price Nara lunch 1,900 yen Yuzuan grilled mackerel sushi 1,500 yen 🕰️Business hours 10:00-16:00 ---- #Kinki Tourism #Kaki no Ha Sushi Heimou #Heimou #Horyu-ji Temple #Miwa Somen #Lunch #Nara Tourism #Nara Gourmet #Nara

#Travelwithme Ikaruga is a town with a long history, well known for the fact that Horyu-ji Temple was built by Prince Shotoku during the Asuka period. There are old townscapes, such as the Nishizato village just west of Horyu-ji Temple. It's just a little over an hour from Osaka, so it's interesting that it also functions as a commuter town for Osaka.