[2025 Ikaruga Attraction] Travel Guide for Horyu-ji (Updated Apr)

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

#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! ⛩️📜✨

After arriving in Osaka from Kyoto, the journey entered a new stage! The next itinerary includes not only historical cities, but also bustling shopping areas, world-class theme parks, and Nara, where you can swim with deer. It is full of excitement! ⸻ Day 6｜Himeji Castle & Kobe Tour Today we set off for Hyogo Prefecture, and our first stop is the World Cultural Heritage #Himeji Castle. This most representative castle in Japan is famous for its pure white exterior walls and is known as the "White Egret Castle". Climbing up the castle tower, you can overlook the entire #Himeji City, and the scenery is very spectacular. Then take a bus to #Kobe, first visit the #Shintoku Shrine dedicated to the god of love and prosperous business, and then walk into #Nankinmachi, which is the largest Chinatown in Kansai. You can taste various Chinese delicacies such as siu mai, xiaolongbao, and meat buns to satisfy your taste buds. ⸻ Day 7｜Universal Studios Japan, have fun! This day is dedicated to #UniversalStudiosJapan! From the Hogwarts Castle in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, to the thrilling Flying Pterosaur roller coaster, to various limited-time events, you can be immersed in the world of entertainment all day long. If you’re tired, don’t forget to eat a burger from #Shake Shack to end the day deliciously. ⸻ Day 8｜Wandering the streets of Osaka After changing to a hotel near #Tsutenkaku, we first went shopping at #Nihonbashi, which is famous for its electrical appliances and anime products. You can also eat some fresh seafood and Japanese snacks at the #Kuromon Market here. In the afternoon, head to the most lively areas in Osaka - #Shinsaibashi and #Dotonbori, where you can find everything from drugstores, clothing, groceries to souvenirs. You can also take a Dotonbori cruise to admire this bustling city from the water and experience Osaka's unique water city scenery. ⸻ Day 9｜Tsutenkaku, Osaka Port, Umeda Shopping Today we first climbed up the #Tsutenkaku to overlook the streets of Osaka. Although this landmark building is not very high, it is full of the retro atmosphere of the Showa era. Then head to #梅田 , where there are many large shopping malls and department stores, suitable for shopping or finding a cafe to take a break. In the afternoon, we went to #大坂港 to see the sea view and feel the sea breeze, which was a perfect end to our trip to Osaka. ⸻ Day 10｜One-day trip to Nara, swimming with deer When you come to Kansai, how can you not go to #Nara? The first stop is the world's oldest wooden building #Horyuji, where you can experience the tranquil atmosphere of a thousand years of history. Then we went to #东向购物街 for lunch, where there are many ramen, sushi and Japanese snacks, with rich choices. In the afternoon, we went to #NaraPark to interact closely with the deer, buy deer crackers to feed them, and experience the cute moment when the deer "nod" to ask for food! Finally, we entered Todaiji Temple and admired one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, bringing a spectacular end to this journey. ⸻ Day 11｜Last shopping time & return trip The last day, although it is the return day, there is still one last chance to shop! Take a bus to #Linkongchengoutlet, where there are discount stores of major brands, it is definitely a good place to go shopping. After buying the spoils, head to #kansaiairport and go home with full memories and full luggage✈️ This trip spans #Kyoto, #Osaka, #Hyogo, and #Nara, and has history, beautiful scenery, delicious food, and entertainment. #Kansai is really a place you never get tired of!

#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😁

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!)

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.

#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

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

#japantrip Visiting Hōryū Temple in Ikaruga, northwestern Nara Prefecture, is a captivating experience. As one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara, it holds significant historical and spiritual importance. Hōryū Temple serves as the center of the Shōtoku sect of Buddhism, named after its founder, Prince Shōtoku. This temple complex, renowned for its ancient wooden structures, is part of the 48 Buddhist monuments in the region collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. The temple's serene environment and remarkable architecture offer a deep insight into Japan's Buddhist heritage and the influential role of Prince Shōtoku in spreading Buddhism across Japan.

#japantrip Visiting Horyuji Temple, one of Japan's oldest temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an extraordinary experience. This ancient complex boasts the world's oldest surviving wooden structures, some dating back to the late 7th century during the Asuka Period. Founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku, a pivotal regent who championed Buddhism in Japan, Horyuji offers a unique glimpse into the origins of Buddhist architecture and culture in the country. Walking through its historic precincts, visitors can marvel at the intricate design and craftsmanship of the ancient buildings while appreciating the profound spiritual legacy left by Prince Shotoku. Horyuji Temple stands as a testament to Japan's rich cultural and religious history.

#japantrip Visiting Horyuji Temple is a profound journey into Japan's ancient history. Founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku, a pivotal figure in the promotion of Buddhism in Japan, Horyuji stands as one of the nation's oldest temples. Its grounds house the world's oldest surviving wooden structures, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship and enduring spirituality. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, Horyuji offers a serene and expansive layout divided into two main precincts: the Western Precinct, featuring the iconic five-story pagoda, and the Eastern Precinct, home to the Yumedono (Hall of Dreams). Exploring these precincts provides a unique glimpse into Japan's architectural and religious heritage.

When you step into Horyu-ji Temple, you feel like you are in an ancient cultural treasure house, surrounded by the mysterious atmosphere emanating from this land. This temple in Nara is world-renowned for its wonders of ancient architecture and is a jewel of Japan’s cultural heritage. When you enter Horyu-ji Temple, the first thing that catches your eye is the magnificent Golden Hall and Five-Storied Pagoda, which seem like a model of ancient architecture. Inside this quiet temple, I felt a long historical atmosphere, as if I could hear the whispers of the ancients. After visiting the cultural relics exhibition at Horyu-ji Temple, I was deeply attracted by the temple's architectural style and cultural background. Particularly impressive was the visit to the Buddhist statues and ancient murals in the temple, which gave me a sense of the magnificence and depth of ancient Japanese art. During my time at Horyu-ji Temple, I took twenty photos, each of which is a testimony and memory of my journey. Ikaruga Horyuji Temple is not only a tourist attraction, but also a holy place where people can feel the beauty of ancient Japanese culture. I will cherish these precious memories forever. #Cultural Heritage #Horyuji Temple #Ancient Architecture

Horyu-ji "Wooden buildings from 1400 years ago; Japan's first World Cultural Heritage site" Entoku-in "Karesansui" Osaka tour guide latest news Follow me, and you won't get lost

The reason why I traveled thousands of miles to Horyuji is because it is the oldest existing wooden building group in the world. 📖Horyuji History 👨‍🦲Speaking of its establishment, we have to mention Prince Shotoku. 👨‍🦲Prince Shotoku, a famous figure in Japanese history. It is said that Prince Shotoku could speak as soon as he was born, had the wisdom of a saint, successfully unified the country, made people submit to the rule of the emperor, and established Buddhism as the state religion. 👨‍🦲Prince Shotoku is deeply loved by the Japanese, and his portrait is printed on 10,000 yen bills. 👨‍🦲At that time, because Prince Shotoku often came to the temple to understand Buddhism, Horyuji was also called "Horyuji of Learning". ⛩️Oldest Wooden Building 🌟Horyuji was built in 607 AD, during the Sui Dynasty in China, and has been 1400 years since then. 🌟Buddhism was introduced to China around the 1st century AD during the Eastern Han Dynasty. 🌟At that time, China's wooden buildings were very developed, and people knew how to build towers (buildings with two or more floors). 🌟Adding a stupa shape to the roof of a high-rise building became the tower of a Buddhist temple. ✅Horyuji 👍Horyuji covers a large area, and its layout and structure are deeply influenced by the architecture of the Northern and Southern Dynasties in China, divided into east and west courtyards. 👍【West Courtyard】 🌟The most important part of the entire temple 🌟Five-story pagoda, Golden Hall, Great Treasure Hall, etc., have the world's oldest wooden buildings. 👍【East Courtyard】 🌟The scale is much smaller, this was once the sleeping palace of Prince Shotoku, and it houses the secret Buddha Guanyin who saves the world. 👍【Great Treasure Hall】 🌟Located in the middle, the Great Treasure Hall stores many precious Buddha statues and Buddhist utensils. 🚌Transportation 🌟Departing from Kyoto, you can buy a Kintetsu 1-day pass 🌟The fare is 1500 yen, covering the Kintetsu line from Kyoto Station to Nara (cannot take the express) 💰Purchase location: Kintetsu Service Center at Kyoto Station, need to show passport 🚄Transportation: Kintetsu Tsuge Station B31-Nara Bus-Horyuji Front-Walk 5min ⏰The bus to Horyuji is one hour apart, so you need to wait a long time

|The world's oldest wooden building. Nara 'World Cultural Heritage', the world's oldest wooden building 'Horyuji' 'Saiin Garan'🕊️ 'Five-storied Pagoda' 'Golden Hall': Asuka period (China Sui and Tang Dynasties), 1400 years of history 'Daibutsu-den': Mainly from the Asuka period, Nara period, Muromachi period, Buddha statues. 🍀 Bad dreams turn into good dreams Dreams come true.🍀 'Yume Shoden': National treasures are also stored here, including the statue of Prince Shotoku. Nara period, Shotoku sect 'Horyuji', Chugu-ji, Ikaruga Town

As the oldest surviving Buddhist temple in Japan, the Horyuji Temple in Nara is the first World Heritage Site to be recognized by UNESCO in Japan. There are more than 3,000 cultural relics in the temple that are only defined as national treasures and important cultural property. The Falun Temple was founded in 607 AD by Prince Shengde. It was originally introduced to Japan at the beginning of Buddhism, so the name of the temple contains the meaning of the Dharma. Falung Temple is the oldest wooden building in the world, but its value is not in the old, but in the ancient Japanese architectural techniques and wisdom that have been tempered by years. Whether it is the Dream Hall of the Eastern Academy or the Zhongmen, Jintang and Wuzhong Pagodas of the West Courtyard, although the Tang Dynasty architecture is emulated, now in China, the same period of architecture has withered as the river has passed away, and the preciousness of the Falun Temple is even more precious. . In addition to the architecture, several statues of Sakyamuni built by Prince Shengde in Jintang are even rare treasures, which laid the status of the Horyu Temple in Buddhism.