Usual hours and prices, checked 2026-10-04 against the sources under “What this place is”. They can change for holidays and events — confirm before you go. Official site
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Our guide
Hōryū-ji is where Japanese Buddhism is at its oldest. The temple was founded by Prince Shōtoku in 607, shortly after Buddhism reached Japan, and was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples. The Nihon Shoki records that everything burned in a lightning fire in 670, and rebuilding began soon after. The main hall, the Kondō, rebuilt at least 1,300 years ago, is widely recognised as the oldest wooden building in the world; a 2001 tree-ring study found the central pillar of the five-storey pagoda was cut in 594.
Its full name, Hōryū Gakumonji, “Learning Temple”, reflects its role as both seminary and monastery. It stands in Ikaruga, and Hōryūji Station is about 1.5 km away in a straight line, so it is not right outside the station. Also in Nara Prefecture, Todai-ji Great Buddha has a page of its own.
Written by japan-spots.com (2026-09-22) from the sources credited on this page. Distances are straight lines between map positions.
Photos
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, each under its own licence — see credits
- Horyu-ji11s3200 — 663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · resized
- Horyu-ji21s3200 — 663highland · CC BY 2.5 · source · resized
- Horyu-ji13s3200 — 663highland · CC BY 2.5 · source · resized
- Horyu-ji08s3200 — 663highland · CC BY 2.5 · source · resized
- Horyu-ji05s3200 — 663highland · CC BY 2.5 · source · resized
- Horyu-ji04s3200 — 663highland · CC BY 2.5 · source · resized
- Horyu-ji03s3200 — 663highland · CC BY 2.5 · source · resized
- Horyu-ji02s3200 — 663highland · CC BY 2.5 · source · resized
- Hombo of Horyuji Temple — そらみみ · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source · resized
- Amida Triad LadyTatibana Horyuji — OGAWA SEIYOU(1894-1960) a famous photographer in Japan · Public domain · source · resized
What this place is
Hōryū-ji (法隆寺, 'Temple of the Flourishing Dharma') is a Buddhist temple that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples, located in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Built shortly after Buddhism was introduced to Japan, it is also one of the oldest Buddhist sites in the country. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji (法隆学問寺), or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, with the complex serving as both a seminary and monastery. The temple was founded by Prince Shōtoku in 607.According to the Nihon Shoki, in 670 all buildings were burned down by lightning. Reconstruction of the temple complex began soon after. Rebuilt at least 1,300 years ago, the Kondō (main hall) is widely recognized as the world's oldest wooden building.A tree ring survey conducted in 2001 revealed that the shinbashira of the five-story pagoda were cut down in 594, before it burned down in 670.
Visitor information checked: 2026-10-04 · Horyuji: visiting hours and admission
Background text adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
What to expect at this type of place: Temple
Nearby station
Nearby station: Hōryūji (Yamatoji Line), about 1.5 km from the spot in a straight line.
Worked out on 2026-09-14 from this place’s map position, using HeartRails Express station data and station names from Wikidata. The distance is a straight line, not a walking route, and says nothing about buses, transfers or timetables — plan the trip on Google Maps.
Where to stay nearby
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