HORYU-JI

Located in Ikaruga, about ten kilometers from Nara, and founded in 607 by Prince Shōtoku Taishi, this temple has the oldest wooden structure in the world and claims with strength and determination to be the national masterpiece of Asuka culture. It remains the oldest temple in Japan. To show his gratitude to Buddha for the healing of his father, the Emperor Yōmei (540-587), the prince Shōtoku had the temple built next to the Ikaruga no Miya Palace which he had built in 601. The Hōryū-ji consists of about 40 buildings divided into two areas: the western part, or Sai-in, and the eastern part, or Tōin. There is also a northern part, Kitamuro-in. The treasure is located between the eastern and western parts. It became the first Japanese site to be inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in December 1993 as an exceptional home to the richness of Buddhist culture. More than 15 major events take place every year. Remember to check the programme on the Internet.

Saiin. The western part (saiin) contains the main buildings of the Asuka period (7th and 8th centuries): Chūmon, Kondō and the five-storey pagoda Gojū-no-tō.

Chūmon. The middle gate is topped by a single storey and opens onto the courtyard which contains the other buildings. The two guardian kings Nio, dating from 711, face each other. They are the two oldest earthen statues in Japan.

Kondō. Golden pavilion. Main building erected on a stone base and consisting of two storeys with a four-sloped roof and two gables, the roof being made of a gabled roof. It features the Four Guardians of the World (shi-Tennō), who are among the oldest wooden statues in the world. It contains the Buddhist statues to which the temple is dedicated.

Gojū-no-tō. Five-storey pagoda, 32.50 metres high. Built according to the laws of perspective, it gives an impression of great stability due to its magnificent proportions, but also of height, enhanced by the subtle narrowing of each floor.

Daikōdō (reading room). To the north of the courtyard, closed by the gallery. The original building burnt down in 925 and a building from Kyōto was transferred to this site in 990. Inside, three statues. That of Yakushi Nyorai (this representation of Buddha called Yakushi) is supposed to cure all suffering and diseases.

Tothe west of Daikōdō, the Kyōzō dating from the 8th century and to the east, the belfry (Shōrō) from the 9th century. Back to the west, the Saiendō, built in memory of the wife of the prince Shōtoku, Princess Tachibana. A statue of Yakushi dating from the 8th century can be seen there.

Shōryōin (temple of the soul of Shōtoku). Located east of the court, this building was built in 1121 in memory of the prince Shōtoku and houses several statues of the prince, his sons and the monk Eji.

Daihōzōin (Great Treasure Room). Contemporary double concrete construction dating from 1941. The works of the temple as well as pieces from kūfu (the treasure shop) are exhibited there (the others can be found in the National Museum at Tōkyō).

Tōin. The central part is occupied by the Yumedono (Dreams Pavilion). This octagonal religious building is said to be the oldest in Japan. It dates from the Nara period (8th century). It is in this building that the prince Shōtoku Taishi received in his dreams the answer to his philosophical questions.