Horyu-ji
No other historic site in Japan can match Horyu-ji in terms of its exquisite state of preservation nor the wealth of its artistic treasures – it boasts no fewer than 38 National Treasures. In terms of historical significance, it is one of Japan’s premier sites. Its spectacular precinct contains some of the most brilliant examples of early Japanese wooden architecture, dating back to the Asuka Period. In fact, it can lay strong claim to having the world’s oldest wooden buildings.
The earliest religious institution was founded here in 601 by Shotoku, the prince regent. As an ardent admirer of early Buddhism, Shotoku is often referred to as the ‘first’ Japanese Buddhist and the ‘father’ of Buddhism in the country. However, the monastery complex constructed by the prince was completely destroyed by a fire in 670. A new Horyu-ji temple was planned early in the reign of Emperor Temmu (673-686), and was situated just to the west of the burned-out temple. The present-day kondo (main hall) was completed in the first few years of the reign of Temmu, with the middle gate and the semi-enclosed cloister being added towards the end of the 7th century. By 693, the temple had resumed its function as a key religious institution, just in time for it to take part in the celebration of a new Buddhist scripture, the Ninno-kyo.
Date of Construction: Site of the palace and temple of Prince Shotoku (601-605); following its destruction by fire in 670, the temple was re-built from c. 673 under Emperor Temmu.
Highlights: World’s oldest wooden buildings, dating to the 7th century AD; Shaka triad statue; Tenju-koku Mandala and the statue of Miroku (Chugu-ji temple); Yumedono (“Hall of Dreams”)
- An Introduction to the Temple - 2:51
- The Chumon ('Middle Gate') - 1:59
- The Cloister - 1:14
- The Kondo ('Main Hall') - 4:45
- The Pagoda - 1:46
- The Daikodo ('Lecture Hall') - 1:24
- The Temple of Chugu-ji - 2:11
- The Yumedono - 2:54
