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Horyu-ji Temple's Western Precinct

World's oldest wooden buildings here are 1300 years old

Horyu-ji Temple, about a one hour trip from Kyoto, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It includes the world's oldest wooden buildings, which have endured rain and wind for more than 1300 years. Especially, the five-story pagoda in the temple's Sai-in (Western) Precinct is a very sophisticated artwork, because of its exquisite balance and design, elegant and waterproof eaves, and well-thought-out seismic techniques. Prince Shotoku (574-622), a regent of Emperor Suiko (554-628), established Sai-in (Western) Precinct to train Buddhist priests. He expected these priests to grow and to maintain national order and peace. It was a big project that announced the dawn of a new era of Japan as a Buddhist nation. 

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Find out more about Horyuji Temple.

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