Hōryū-ji

Hōryū-ji is a monumental Buddhist temple complex in Nara housing the world's oldest surviving wooden structures. Founded in 607 by Prince Shōtoku, it offers travelers a rare, direct link to Japan's earliest Buddhist history through its iconic five-story pagoda and exquisite ancient statues. Expect a sprawling, peaceful site divided into eastern and western precincts that requires about two hours to fully explore.

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