Horyuji Temple
The Horyuji Temple is the oldest surviving wooden structure in the world, dating back 1,400 years to the Asuka period (538-710).
It was the first temple in Japan to be inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1993.
It is said that the temple was built by Prince Shotoku*, following in the footsteps of his father, Emperor Yomei.
*Prince Shotoku was a semi-legendary regent and a politician who served under Empress Suikp during the Asuka period.
Today, the Horyu-ji Temple has 39 National Treasures, the most in Japan; 18 buildings and 21 sculptures and handcrafts.
With a tradition of 1400 years it is a treasure house of Buddhist cultural research.
