Horyu-ji Temple

UNESCO World Heritage

法隆寺

Horyu-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple in Ikaruga Town. It was completed around AD 607 and was commissioned by Prince Shotoku. Its five-story pagoda is said to be one of the world's oldest wooden structures, and the guardian statues at the entrance are the oldest in Japan. The temple has 48 World Heritage monuments and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area", the first site in Japan to be listed, in 1993.

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Visitor information

Opening hours

8:00–17:00 from February 22 to November 3, and 8:00–16:30 from November 4 to February 21.

Admission

Adults (15 and over) ¥2,000, junior high school students ¥1,700, primary school students ¥1,000.

Getting there

From JR Nara Station to JR Horyuji Station takes about 10 minutes by JR train. From Horyuji Station, the temple is about 17–20 minutes on foot.

From Kintetsu Nara Station, take a bus bound for JR Oji Station or Horyuji and get off at "Horyuji-mae".

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

The guardian (deva) statues at the entrance are the oldest in Japan.

Tips for Muslim visitors

Photography, video and sketching are prohibited within the grounds of Horyu-ji and Hokki-ji.
Drinking alcohol and smoking are prohibited within the temple grounds.
Some facilities stop admitting visitors as closing time approaches, so arrive with time to spare.
Buddhist temples welcome visitors of all faiths. You can enjoy the buildings and gardens without joining any prayer, burning incense or buying charms.
Many halls ask you to take off your shoes. Wear socks and shoes that are easy to slip off, and keep a bag for your shoes if none is provided.
Photography is often not allowed inside halls. Follow the signs and ask staff if you are unsure.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Nara and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.