Photo of the historic Kofuku-Ji Temple in Nara, showcasing traditional Buddhist architecture.Culture · Hidden gem

Hōryū-ji

法隆寺

Ikaruga, Nara · 奈良

A temple complex west of Nara whose central pagoda and main hall date from around 700, making them the oldest surviving wooden structures in the world.

Why it’s worth it

These beams have been standing for thirteen hundred years. It is forty minutes out of central Nara and almost nobody makes the trip.

CategoryCulture
AreaIkaruga
Hours08:00–17:00
Typical spend¥
Hidden gemoldest woodunesco7th century

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