Japan's Oldest Three-Story Pagoda Stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Conclude with a View of Rural Landscape and Pagoda
About this spot
An ancient temple traditionally said to have been established by converting the Okamoto Palace associated with Prince Shōtoku into a temple. The three-story pagoda, completed around 706, is the oldest existing three-story pagoda in Japan. Standing proudly at approximately 24 meters in height, it is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site together with Hōryū-ji under "Buddhist Monuments in the Hōryū-ji Area." Peaceful rural scenery spreads all around, and the harmonious view of the pagoda and rural mountains forms a single picturesque composition—a landscape representative of Ikaruga. In autumn, the three-story pagoda framed by a cosmos flower field is famous, drawing many photography enthusiasts. The precincts are compact, and viewing is relaxed. Concluding a full day of temple touring by gazing up at a pagoda unchanged since the Asuka period with all three generations will allow a pleasant lingering sense of the journey to spread softly through your heart.
Tips
About 1.5 km east of Hōryū-ji, a 20–30 minute walk through rural paths. If you're tired from walking, you can take a taxi from in front of Hōryū-ji. Admission is 300 yen. The surrounding roads have little shade, so don't forget a hat and drinking water. In autumn (around October) cosmos flowers bloom, and in early summer the green rice paddies transform the pagoda's appearance with the seasons.
Best time to visit
Plan for approximately 1 hour. The late afternoon when slanting light illuminates the three-story pagoda and rural landscape is most beautiful
Access & map
〒636-0102 Nara Prefecture, Ikoma District, Ikaruga Town, Okamoto 1873
Model course featuring this spot
Ikaruga: Temple Pilgrimage to Hōryū-ji and Sites Associated with Prince Shōtoku
Nara
Explore features & model courses
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