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Japanese Culture
Horyuji
Horyuji, also known as Ikaruga Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in Nara Prefecture. It was founded by Shotoku Taishi (Prince Shotoku) and his aunt, Empress Suiko in 607.
The temple grounds are broadly divided into two compounds, the Sai-in (West Temple) and the To-in (East Temple). It was burnt down in 670, but was soon reconstructed. The Sai-in contains the world's oldest wooden building, the Kondo (Main Hall), and Goju-no-to (the five-storied pagoda). The To-in contains the graceful octagonal hall known as the Yumedono (Hall of Dreams).
Horyuji is home to a total of 1,780 pieces of Buddhist art or architecture officially classified as national treasures. In 1993, it became the first temple in Japan to be registered by UNESCO as a "World Cultural Heritage."
Here is a haiku by Masaoka Shiki.
| Kaki kueba 柿食えば |
I bite into a persimmon |
| Kane ga narunari 鐘が鳴るなり |
and a bell resounds ... |
| Horyuji 法隆寺 |
Horyuji |
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