Over deze locatie: Horyu-ji
Horyu-ji, in 607 gesticht door Prins Shotoku, bevat de oudste overlevende houten structuren ter wereld. Het Sai-in-complex, inclusief de kondo en de vijf verdiepingen tellende pagode, overleeft sinds eind 7e/begin 8e eeuw. Een van Japans eerste UNESCO-sites (1993), een schat van boeddhistische kunst.
Kenmerken
- Kondo (Main Hall) — built in the 7th century, the world's oldest wooden building, enshrining the Shaka Triad (a National Treasure); admire the entasis columns
- Five-Story Pagoda — 31.5 m tall, the world's oldest pagoda; the proportional balance from the first to fifth tiers is exquisite
- Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) and To-in Precinct — built in 739 as an octagonal hall, with the secret Guze Kannon, said to be a life-sized image of Prince Shotoku
- Chumon (Central Gate) — the main gate to the Sai-in Precinct, with entasis columns and two Niou (Vajra Warrior) guardians
- Kudara Kannon (National Treasure) — enshrined in the Daihozoin, a 2.1 m wooden Asuka-period image with a uniquely elongated form
