Overview:

Horyu-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the oldest temples in Japan, dating back to the 7th century. It was established by Prince Shotoku, one of the most important figures in Japanese history. The temple is home to several National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, including the world’s oldest surviving wooden building, which is estimated to date back to the year 607. Horyu-ji is an important example of ancient Japanese architecture and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Japan
Prominent Features:

1. It is one of the oldest and most celebrated temples in Japan, with a history spanning more than 1,300 years. 2. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, classified as a Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara. 3. The main building, Kondo or Golden Hall, is the oldest wooden building in Japan dating back to 607AD. 4. It has five-storied pagoda that is the oldest in Japan, dating back to the 7th century. 5. Horyu-ji Temple complex consists of more than 40 structures, including 8 designated National Treasures and 35 designated Important Cultural Properties. 6. It is the headquarters of the Buzan branch of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. 7. The temple also possesses numerous Buddhist sculptures, mandalas, and Buddhist paintings. 8. It also features several gardens and ponds around the main structure. 9. The temple is known for the Nio, or twin guardians of the temple. These Buddha statues are made of wood covered with cast bronze. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Japan.

History:

Horyu-ji Temple is one of the oldest temples in Japan, founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku. It is a National Treasure of Japan and a World Heritage Site. The temple was established to protect and restore Buddhism in Japan and dedicated to the Asuka Period reformer Shoku Shonin, who had brought Buddhism to Japan. The original temple was destroyed in 670 by fire but was restored in the late 7th century and has remained mostly unchanged ever since. Horyu-ji Temple consists of two parts: the Sai-in and the To-in. The Sai-in is a complex of buildings that holds the five-story pagoda, the main shrine, and other structures. The To-in, located to the west of the Sai-in, houses the Yumedono hall and other structures. Horyu-ji Temple is known for its many cultural artifacts, such as the Yakushi Nyorai (Buddha of Healing) statue that is said to be Japan’s oldest copper-alloy sculpture. Other important artifacts include the Horyu-ji Shosoin Collection, consisting of over 1,100 objects. The temple has been a popular destination for pilgrims and visitors since the Heian Period, when it became a center for Buddhist research. Today, Horyu-ji Temple is one of Japan’s most important cultural heritage sites. Visit one of the famous monuments of Japan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Horyu-ji Temple, also known as Horyu-ji Temple, is one of the oldest and most important temples in Japan. It was founded in 607 and is the world's oldest surviving wooden building. 2. The temple complex covers two main areas, the Sai-in and the To-in. The Sai-in area is dedicated to the Thirty-Three Kannon, while the To-in is the site of the main temple. 3. The Horyu-ji is the home of seven national treasures, including one of the oldest surviving sculptures of the historical Buddha. 4. The temple is also home to an extensive collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures, including some that say to be well over a thousand years old. 5. Horyu-ji Temple is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been the focus of attention for researchers and academics from both Japan and abroad. One of the historical monuments of Japan, it tells the story of a bygone era