Horyu-ji Area
The wooden monuments in the Horyu-ji area are the oldest of its kind in Japan. The history of the Horyu-ji temple started during the latter years of the Asuka Period, which spanned from 552 to 645.
The Temple was built according to a Chinese architectural style. Horyu-ji was founded in 607 C.E. by prince Shotoku who was the first patron of Buddhism in Japan.
The Buddhist monuments in the Horyu-ji area count to a total of 48. Eleven of them were built before the 9th century.
Visit May 2000
 |
Horyu-ji does not hold the most beautiful temples of the Kyoto-Nara region, but they certainly are the oldest. The complex also has a museum or exhibition hall, that mainly shows statues that were found at the site.
The Yumedono, on the first small photo above, is an octagonal tempel dating from the 8th century. Inside there remain statues from the same period.
I visited Horyu-ji on the same day as Nara, and was sufferring from a real Kyoto-temple overdose already. So my views may be a bit tainted!
Reviews
John Booth (New Zealand):
This WHS comprises two temples, the Horyuji and the Hokkiji. I reached the Horyuji temple by bus from Horyuji station. I found this temple huge, shadeless and unattractive.
After a lengthy walk I came to the Hokkiji temple, which by contrast is small and full of trees and shade. I caught a bus #97 from Hokkiji directly back to Nara station. |
| Date posted: May 2010 |
A. O`Riordan (US):
The place is very large so bring good shoes.
That said, it`s an interesting place. I was a bit tired when I went and thus it did not perhaps make as great an impression on me as it should have. There are different sections and buildings, the most famous of course being the pagoda. It`s really amazing when you consider its architecture. My favorite parts though were the unusually shaped Yumedomo and observing the people (there were an unusually large number of people wearing traditional clothing when I went...I don`t believe they were monks and there was no festival that day. Horyuji just attracts them). The museum has many interesting exhibits as well, but I highly suggest knowing a good deal about Prince Shotoku and the history of the place before you go unless you read Japanese... |
| Date posted: July 2005 |
C H Ho (Hong Kong, China):
I visited the temple in 2002. Although the temple is quite similar to other temple in Japan, the treasury chamber collects many Buddhist items. I guess I couldn't find such kind of collection in other parts of Japan |
| |
Rob Wilson (UK):
I really enjoyed my visit to Horyu-Ji. It is one of the few temples in Japan that justifies its entrance fee - Y1000. The complex itself is quite impressive. The temple buildings are austere, but superbly constructed.
The highlight of the visit it the museum. Some of the exhibits illustrated the passage of Buddhism into Japan brilliantly - the statues I am referring to have Chinese style faces and stand in Hindu style poses! Other exhibits are breath-taking.
The staff at the visitors centre are also extremely friendly. When I visited I missed the last bus to the railway station and one of the staff gave me a lift!
The site is also relatively free from the blight which destroys the atmosphere at most Japanese temple - the ill positioned and overly large souvenir stall.
It is well worth visiting and a worthy World Heritage Site.
Truly one of the jewels in Japan's crown. |
| |
Have you been to Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area
? Share your experiences!
Add your own review
