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A traditional Japanese temple with a central pagoda, surrounded by buildings with tiled roofs and a paved walkway. 1
A drawer with woodworking tools and wood shavings. 2
A museum display with glass cases containing historical artifacts and informational panels. 3
A person carving a wooden boat with a traditional tool, set against a backdrop of a pagoda and mountains. 4
A traditional Japanese building with a tiled roof, a signboard, and a flower bed in front. 5

Horyu-ji Guided Tour with Local Architectural Historian

By Daichi Shigemoto
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$129 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 2h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Multiple languages

Overview

Hōryū-ji is a Buddhist temple founded in the seventh century. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the title “Buddhist Monuments in the Hōryū-ji Area,” the temple complex contains the world’s oldest extant wooden buildings and many treasures within its vast precincts.

On this tour, you will explore the site with a Japanese architectural historian who holds a PhD and lives within walking distance of Hōryū-ji. The guide will provide clear and engaging explanations of the temple’s history, architecture, and artworks, including its Buddhist sculptures.

Beyond the major highlights, the tour can also explore architectural details, the history of preservation and restoration, and broader cultural perspectives that help explain Hōryū-ji’s significance in Japanese history.

The standard route covers the most important parts of the complex, but the tour can be adjusted within the two-hour time limit to match your interests.

Activity location

  • Horyu-ji Temple
    • 1-1 Horyuji Sannai,
    • 636-0115, Ikaruga-cho, Nara Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Horyu-ji Information Center
    • 25 8
    • 636-0116, Ikaruga, Nara, Japan

Check availability

Hōryū-ji Private Tour (2hr)

  • Activity duration is 2 hours2h
    2h
  • English
Price details
NZ$129.14 x 1 AdultNZ$129.14
Total
Price is NZ$129.14
Until Sat, 5 Sept

Activity itinerary

Horyu-ji Temple

  • 2h
  • Admission ticket included
In the standard route, we will start at the Hōryū-ji Information Centre and walk towards the western precinct. We will enter the covered corridor and visit the main buildings, including Kondō (Main Hall), Gojū-no-tō (Five-Storied Pagoda), and Dai-kōdō (Great Lecture Hall). After that, we will visit Dai-hōzō-in (Great Treasure Gallery) to view numerous artworks and historical objects preserved at the temple. Finally, we will take a short walk towards the eastern precinct to visit Yume-dono (Hall of Dreams) before returning to the Hōryū-ji Information Centre, where the tour will conclude. We can take a short break or stop by a souvenir shop during the tour if you wish. If you have particular interests or would prefer a different route, please let me know in advance, and I will tailor the tour as much as possible within the two-hour time limit.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Horyu-ji Temple
    • 1-1 Horyuji Sannai,
    • 636-0115, Ikaruga-cho, Nara Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Horyu-ji Information Center
    • 25 8
    • 636-0116, Ikaruga, Nara, Japan

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