About this location: Horyu-ji Yumedono
The Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) in Horyu-ji's East Precinct is an octagonal hall built in 739 on the site of Prince Shotoku's Ikaruga Palace. It enshrines the hidden Guze Kannon statue (Asuka period), viewable only in limited spring and autumn openings. The balanced octagonal silhouette is a treasure of Japanese architecture.
Key features
- Yumedono Exterior — an octagonal plan 12 m across, with a balanced hinoki-bark-shingled roof; the exterior may be photographed year-round
- Guze Kannon (National Treasure, hidden statue) — a single-block camphor sculpture from the Asuka period, 178.8 cm tall, said to be a life-sized image of Prince Shotoku
- Chuguji and the Edono of the East Precinct — adjacent to Yumedono, displaying replicas of the Tenjukoku Shucho thought to have been designed by Prince Shotoku
- Kamakura-Era Renovation — a worship hall was added in the 1230s; the current building preserves Tenpyo design while bearing Kamakura-period touches
- Spring and Autumn Special Openings — Spring April 11–May 18, Autumn October 22–November 22; the inner sanctum and Guze Kannon become viewable up close
