Nara Travel: Horyuji Temple

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Home - Travel - Sightseeing Guide - Kansai - Nara

Horyuji Temple

of 16 most visited
sights in Nara

jump to: access - admission - hotels - ratings - tours - links

Founded by Prince Shotoku, who is attributed with having introduced Buddhism to Japan, Horyuji is one of Japan's oldest temples. Its main hall, five storied pagoda and central gate, all located in the temple's Saiin Garan (Western Precinct) and dating from the 7th century, are the world's oldest surviving wooden structures.

Next to the Saiin Garan is the newly constructed Daihozoin, a hall that exhibits a part of the temple's art collection. The main attraction of the Horyuji's Toin Garan (Eastern Precinct) is the Yumedono, the Hall of Visions.

In 1993, Horyuji was designated a UNESCO world heritage site. Unlike many other historic attractions in Japan, Horyuji is wheelchair accessible and provides pamphlets in various foreign languages.

Yumedono Hall

Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.

How to get there

Horyuji is located about 12 km outside of central Nara.

By train
From JR Nara Station, take the frequently departing Yamatoji Line to Horyuji Station (12 minutes). From there, it is a 20 minute walk or 5 minute bus ride (180 yen, departures every 20 minutes) to the temple.

By bus
From JR or Kintetsu Nara Station, take bus number 97 to Horyuji-mae. The one way ride takes about one hour and costs 760 yen. There is one bus per hour.

How to get to and around Nara

Hours and Fees

Hours:	8:00 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from early November to late February)
Closed:	No closing dates
Admission:	1000 yen

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Hotels and Ryokan

Nara is commonly visited on a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, and only a few tourists overnight there. Indeed, the range of accommodation in Nara is rather limited, but there are a few options for those aiming to visit the city in more than a day trip. A location close to Nara Park is generally preferred.

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Sponsor Hotels

Asukaso
A fine ryokan with hot spring bath offering views of the famous five-story pagoda. Located in the heart of Nara town.

Asukaso
Centrally located ryokan with outdoor baths that view onto the pagoda of Kofukuji Temple.
Reserve through Agoda

Hotel Fujita Nara
Regular business hotel located halfway between JR Nara Station and Nara Park.
Reserve through Agoda or Japanican

Nara Hotel
One of the oldest Western style hotels in Japan, located next to Nara Park.
Reserve through Agoda or Japanican

Tours and Packages

Nara Tours
Various tours and travel packages for Nara and surroundings.

User Ratings

Ratings for Horyuji Temple:

japan-guide.com Rating:		best of Japan
User Rating (by 477 users):	88/100	recommended

Best rated sights nationwide (out of 725):

92. Walking Trails (Miyajima) 88/100

93. Kokedera (Kyoto) 88/100

94. Sanjusangendo (Kyoto) 88/100

95. Gunkanjima (Nagasaki) 88/100

96. Kongo Coast (Noto Peninsula) 88/100

97. Horyuji Temple (Nara) 88/100

98. Tsukiji Fish Market (Tokyo) 88/100

99. Haguro-san (Dewa Sanzan) 88/100

100. Shibuya (Tokyo) 88/100

101. Tokyo Skytree (Tokyo) 88/100

Most visited sights nationwide (out of 836):

54. Hiroshima Castle (Hiroshima) 1057

55. Lake Ashinoko (Hakone) 1040

56. Chinatown (Kobe) 1025

57. Hachimangu Shrine (Kamakura) 1009

58. Sanjusangendo (Kyoto) 1005

59. Horyuji Temple (Nara) 993

60. Kofukuji Temple (Nara) 980

61. Yasaka Shrine (Kyoto) 979

62. Roppongi Hills (Tokyo) 977

63. Kodaiji Temple (Kyoto) 950

User Feedback

English Links

Horyuji
Official English website.

Japanese Links

Horyuji
Official website.

Related Pages

Travel
Sightseeing
Kansai Region
Nara

Buddhism
Temples

Todaiji Temple
Kofukuji Temple
Kasuga Taisha
Nara National Museum
Nara Park
Naramachi
Shin-Yakushiji Temple
Mount Wakakusayama
Isuien Garden
Yoshikien Garden

Horyuji Temple
Yakushiji Temple
Toshodaiji Temple
Heijo Palace

Wakakusa Yamayaki
Omizutori

Nara: Access and Orientation

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