Horyuji 法隆寺 in Ikaruga, Nara

By Kansai & Beyond

Updated March 28, 2021

This is part 2 of the Ikaruga Town photo blog. Last time, I showed you in detail how to find the Pokemon Manholes that were recently installed in this town to boost tourism.


Today, I won't do much talking (or at least try not to), as I show you around the Horyuji Complex.


I know Japan still hasn't opened up travel yet, so I hope this blog post will motivate you to stop by when you finally have a chance in the future! I want to be optimistic and say NEAR future... but if you follow me on twitter, you probably know that Japan's really lagging behind on vaccines and getting COVID19 cases down... so...


I hope you enjoy these pictures!


A traditional Japanese temple gate

This is the main entrance (from the south) into the complex. There are side entrances as well from both the east and the west side.


The grounds itself is free to enter, but if you want to go into the main complex to see some of the buildings up close, you will need to pay a fee to get in. The fee also includes entry into an artifacts museum (which is within the grounds) and another smaller (relative to the giant that's this place) temple out the east side entrance/exit.


For now, let's enjoy the grounds!


A closer shot of the above gate to the temple

A closer look at the entrance.


View from the the gate, back towards the tree lined approach

View from the gate into the temple complex

A look inside and out from the gates.


View down the main path within the temple complex

Side buildings framing the main path

The main building up a few steps, at the end of the main path

I know it doesn't look big from my images, but trust me when I say the grounds are almost never-ending. Remember, this part is only the entrance. We haven't even stepped inside yet.


View down a side path, lined with many side buildings

That's one of the side paths. It leads out towards the east entrance. The west entrance is equally as long, may a bit shorter... But... You see how long that path spans? This complex is really no joke.


Closeup of the main building in the inner complex

A closer look at the main complex, looking into the inner grounds.


From this point on, if you go left from this picture, you will reach the paid area. If you go right, that's the exit from the paid area - so don't go that way if you want to go inside and avoid the extra walking.


Let's head inside then!


Hand holding up an admission ticket

That's the ticket you get - excuse my ugly hand!


View from inside the building back towards the entrance gate

Inner temple complex behind the main building

A wooden pagoda

A wooden temple building

You can walk into this building and have a look around - but you cannot go upstairs.


Closeup of the wooden roof construction

View of the inner complex

The main prayer hall

Same with this building above - you can go inside it. This building is where you would pray if you would like to do that. There's also a small stall that sells temple things - like lucky charms, etc.


I tried my best to capture all the buildings with my phone camera. I hope I did a good job.


Now, let's head back out and go towards the artifact museum.


A place to wash your hands before prayer

View into fenced off side area with more buildings

I overheard that the building on the right of my picture here used to be quarters for monks in training? I could be wrong since I wasn't really listening to the tour guide that was guiding this couple nearby, but I think that's what I remember hearing.


The museum isn't far from here.


Elaborate entrance gate

Unfortunately you aren't allowed photos once you're in the museum area, but the path to the building is still a little ways away. The path leads into the garden and it is very well kept!


Path towards the museum

In we go!


Here's actually the building where the museum is:


A courtyard surrounded by red and green-decorated buildings

Unfortunately at this point, I'm not allowed to take any more photos. The museum itself is pretty heavily guarded. Not... like, there's lots of guards, but there's always one or two people watching from afar.


There are a lot of interesting artifacts from the Asuka and Nara Period if that's your jam. They're all pretty cool to see, but it's not my cup of tea. So off I went towards the east entrance to find the third area I can enter with my ticket.


The walk out the east entrance is very interesting.


A traditional Japanese wall

A wooden gate

Wooden gate and long wall

Section of the wall being supported by wooden beams

The walls all seem to be quite aged. So much so that they need to boosted up by wooden beams. I think this gives the area is a bit of character. I quite enjoyed it.


So last but not least, the last entry point.


It was actually free to enter when I went. They were in the middle of renovations, and it doesn't seem like people stroll through to this side. So the monk/priest was very kind and told me where it would a good spot to take pictures, etc.


A smaller octogonal pagoda

It's less exciting to see since a lot of it is closed off... but the building is interesting enough, I guess. But yeah... that's it.


I do recommend stopping by if you're not all shrine'd and temple'd out during your travels. I've been to hundreds of these shrines & temples myself now, but the size of Horyuji is a feat in itself. Also if you like to be away from the crowds in Nara Park or in Kyoto, this town would be a great place to visit for half a day or more if you just want to take it slowly.


Anyway, as always - thanks for visiting! :)

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