Located in the city of Kanazawa, Horyu-ji Temple is one of Japan's most famous and oldest temples, originally built in 727 as a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. The temple's impressive main hall is renowned for its traditional Heian-style architecture.
- Religion
- shinto
- Coordinates
- 36.4846783, 136.5855785
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit to Horyu-ji Temple, it's recommended to arrive early or later in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere of this historic temple.
Cultural notes
As one of Japan's 'Three Great Temples,' Horyu-ji is steeped in history and mythology. The temple complex features several festivals throughout the year, including the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Star Festival, which are significant to Shinto traditions.
Historical note
The Horyu-ji Temple was relocated from its original site in Hakusan, Ishikawa Prefecture, in 1973.