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Usitour
Church & Religious Site

Hōrin-ji

📍 1570 Mitsui, Ikaruga-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara, Japan
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Quick Facts

Location
Japan, Nara
Category
Church & Religious Site
Duration
About 40 minutes
Address
1570 Mitsui, Ikaruga-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara, Japan
Coordinates
34.6223, 135.7390

Introduction

Horin-ji in the Mitsui countryside of Ikaruga, Nara, is an ancient temple said to have been founded in 622 by Prince Yamashiro, Shotoku Taishi's son, praying for his father's recovery (another tradition credits three monks from Baekje in 670). Its pagoda, with those of Horyu-ji and Hokki-ji, forms the 'Three Pagodas of Ikaruga'. The former National Treasure pagoda was struck by lightning in 1944 and rebuilt in the Asuka style in 1975 by master carpenter Nishioka Tsunekichi; the main hall dates to 1761. Asuka- and Heian-period Buddhist statues survive here; the temple is part of the World Heritage Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area.

✨ Highlights

1
Three Pagodas of Ikaruga
With Horyu-ji and Hokki-ji.
2
Rebuilt 1975
Nishioka Tsunekichi's faithful Asuka-style reconstruction.
3
Founded 622
By Prince Yamashiro for his father's recovery.
4
Ancient statues
Asuka- and Heian-period Buddhas.
5
Mitsui countryside
A scenic designated rural landscape.
6
World Heritage
Part of the Horyu-ji Area listing.

🛈 Practical Info

→Location：1570 Mitsui, Ikaruga-cho, Nara
→Time needed：About 40 minutes
→Tel：+81 745-75-2686
→Note：No eating on grounds; take rubbish with you

Opening Hours

Opening Hours
Monday8:00-17:00
Tuesday8:00-17:00
Wednesday8:00-17:00
Thursday8:00-17:00
Friday8:00-17:00
Saturday8:00-17:00
Sunday8:00-17:00

Dec-Feb until 16:30

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Adult600 yen
Student500 yen (junior-senior high)
Child300 yen (elementary)

20% off for groups of 30+

Transportation

Bus

Bus from Kintetsu Koriyama Sta. to Chuguji-mae, 15-min walk

Note

Or 35-min walk from JR Horyuji Station

💡 Tips

• Combine Horyu-ji, Hokki-ji and Horin-ji into an Ikaruga day.
• The wind chimes of the pagoda are famous here.
• About 15 minutes on foot from the Chuguji-mae bus stop.
• Or 35 minutes' walk (rental bikes available) from JR Horyuji Station.
• The Myoken ceremony (Apr 15) and autumn special viewings cost extra.
• Free parking for about 10 cars in front of the gate.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Hōrin-ji?

Monday: 8:00-17:00; Tuesday: 8:00-17:00; Wednesday: 8:00-17:00; Thursday: 8:00-17:00; Friday: 8:00-17:00; Saturday: 8:00-17:00; Sunday: 8:00-17:00; Dec-Feb until 16:30

How much is the admission for Hōrin-ji?

Adult: 600 yen; Student: 500 yen (junior-senior high); Child: 300 yen (elementary); 20% off for groups of 30+

Any practical tips for visiting Hōrin-ji?

Combine Horyu-ji, Hokki-ji and Horin-ji into an Ikaruga day. The wind chimes of the pagoda are famous here.

How long should I spend at Hōrin-ji?

A typical visit takes About 40 minutes.

How do I get to Hōrin-ji?

Bus: Bus from Kintetsu Koriyama Sta. to Chuguji-mae, 15-min walk