Basic Information

Horyu-ji Temple was built by Prince Shotoku during the Asuka period and is said to have been built in 607 AD. The temple covers an area of ​​about 187,000 square meters. The temple preserves many buildings and precious cultural relics since the Asuka period. These cultural treasures total about 190 categories and more than 2,300 pieces, and are designated as national treasures and important cultural properties by the Japanese government. In 1993, the buildings of Horyu-ji Temple and Hoki-ji Temple were listed as "Buddhist Buildings in the Horyu-ji Area" by UNESCO, shining a unique light on the world cultural stage.

Transportation Guide

External Transportation​

Airplane: If you arrive from overseas, you can first fly to Osaka Kansai International Airport or Nagoya Chubu International Airport. From Osaka Kansai International Airport, you can take the JR Kansai Main Line to Kashihara Jingumae Station, then transfer to the Kintetsu Nara Line to Horyuji Station, which takes about 2 hours. From Nagoya Chubu International Airport, take the Meitetsu to Nagoya Station, transfer to the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station, and then transfer to the Kintetsu Nara Line to Horyuji Station, which takes about 3 hours. ​

Train: If you are in other cities in Japan, you can choose to take JR or Kintetsu to Nara. For example, starting from Kyoto, take the JR Nara Line to Nara Station, and then transfer to the Kintetsu Nara Line at Nara Station to Horyuji Station. The whole journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. ​

Internal transportation​

Kintetsu bus: There is a Kintetsu bus outside Horyuji Station, which can go directly to the entrance of Horyuji Temple. The bus is frequent and convenient. ​

Walking: If you want to enjoy the scenery along the way, walking from Horyuji Station to Horyuji Temple is also a good choice. The journey takes about 15 minutes, and you can feel the local rural scenery along the way.

Must-visit attractions

Saien Garan: Saiin Garan is the core area of ​​Horyuji Temple and has many representative buildings. Precious Buddha statues such as the three statues of Sakyamuni are enshrined in the Golden Hall. The Buddha statues are exquisitely crafted, with smooth lines and solemn expressions, showing the superb Buddha statue carving skills of the Asuka period. The five-story pagoda is the iconic building of Horyuji Temple. It is 32.45 meters high, with a slender tower and beautiful shape. It is the oldest five-story pagoda in Japan. Standing under the tower and looking up, you can feel the weight of history and the vicissitudes of time. ​Eastern Courtyard Garan: The Eastern Courtyard Garan is centered on the Dream Hall, where the statue of the Savior Guanyin is enshrined. This Guanyin statue adopts a unique half-cross-legged thinking posture, with a kind face and graceful posture, as if quietly thinking about everything in the world. The architectural style of the Eastern Courtyard Garan is more quiet and peaceful than that of the Western Courtyard. Walking through it can make people feel extremely peaceful. ​

Treasure House: The Treasure House houses many cultural relics and treasures of Horyuji Temple, including ancient Buddhist instruments, paintings, calligraphy, etc. Here, you can appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Japanese art up close and gain a deep understanding of the history and culture of Horyuji Temple. Among them, some cultural relics from China and the Korean Peninsula witnessed the cultural exchange and integration in ancient East Asia.

Tour route planning

Half-day tour: Depart from Horyuji Station, take the Kintetsu bus or walk to Horyuji Temple. First, enter the West Courtyard Garan, visit the Golden Hall, the Five-Storied Pagoda, the Great Lecture Hall and other buildings in turn, and appreciate the exquisite Buddha statues and architectural art. Then go to the East Courtyard Garan, visit buildings such as the Dream Hall, and feel its unique atmosphere. Finally, choose whether to go to the Treasure House according to your personal interests. If you have enough time, you can carefully appreciate the cultural relics in the Treasure House; if you are short of time, you can end this trip to Horyuji Temple after admiring the exterior of the building outside the Treasure House.

One-day tour: After arriving at Horyuji Temple in the morning, visit the West Courtyard Garan and the East Courtyard Garan according to the half-day tour route. At noon, have a meal at a restaurant around Horyuji Temple and taste local specialties such as Nara pickles and persimmon leaf sushi. In the afternoon, go to the Treasure House to carefully visit the cultural relics and treasures in the museum and gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Horyuji Temple. After the visit, you can stroll in the parks or streets around Horyuji Temple to experience the local customs and customs, and then return to the departure point.

Food Guide

Nara Pickles Restaurant: Nara Pickles is a traditional food in Nara. The Nara Pickles in this restaurant are authentic. They use fresh vegetables and are pickled in a unique way. They are sour and delicious and go well with rice. The restaurant also offers other Nara specialty dishes, such as persimmon leaf sushi, which are worth a try. ​

Ikaruga Soba Noodle House: The main buckwheat noodles are chewy and are paired with delicious soup and various side dishes, such as tempura and chopped green onions. The taste is very rich. The environment in the store is simple and comfortable, and the service is also very thoughtful. ​

Horyuji Tea House: Here you can taste traditional Japanese matcha and wagashi. Matcha has a strong aroma and a mellow taste. It is paired with exquisite wagashi, which is sweet but not greasy. It is an excellent choice for rest. Sitting in the tea house, you can also enjoy the surrounding rural scenery, which is very pleasant.

Accommodation Recommendation

Horyuji Onsen Hotel: It is close to Horyuji Temple and convenient for travel. The hotel provides hot spring bathing services. After a tiring day, soaking in the warm hot springs can relieve fatigue. The room is warm and comfortable, and the service staff is enthusiastic, which can make you feel the warmth of home. ​

Nara Country B&B: Located in the countryside near Horyuji Temple, the surrounding environment is beautiful and the air is fresh. The B&B is full of local life atmosphere, and you can experience the authentic Japanese rural life. The owner of the B&B usually prepares a hearty breakfast for you to start a good day. ​

Nara City Hotel: If you like to live in the city center, convenient for shopping and entertainment, this hotel is a good choice. The hotel is conveniently located and has convenient transportation connections to Nara's major attractions. The hotel has complete facilities, spacious and bright rooms, and thoughtful service.

Horyuji Temple is like a thick historical and cultural book, with stories written on every page. When you set foot on this land, you can experience its unique charm firsthand. I hope this guide can help you spend an unforgettable time in Horyuji Temple and leave good memories.