Recommended 6 tourist spots in Ikaruga Town, Nara Prefecture, home to Horyu-ji Temple

Ikaruga Town (Ikaruga-cho) is located in Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. Many people might not be familiar with the name "Ikaruga," but if we mention that it is the town where Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located, quite a few might say, "I've been there!"

This time, we will introduce six recommended tourist spots in Ikaruga Town, where you can find ancient temples, shrines, and historical sites scattered throughout.

1. Horyu-ji Temple

Horyu-ji Temple was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the same time as Himeji Castle, making it Japan's first World Heritage listing. As the world's oldest wooden structure, Horyu-ji is a must-visit landmark in Ikaruga. The temple also houses many valuable treasures designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.

There are about 190 significant artifacts, but among them, the "Kudara Kannon Statue" and the "Tamamushi Shrine" housed in the Great Treasure Hall are cultural assets that visitors to Ikaruga should see at least once. Many schools visit as part of their educational curriculum, so if you haven’t been there during your school years, it’s worth making the trip now.

2. Hokki-ji Temple

Hokki-ji Temple, like Horyu-ji, has deep ties to Prince Shotoku. According to legend, his son, Prince Yamashiro no Oe, converted Okamoto Palace into a temple. Hokki-ji is one of the three major pagodas in Ikaruga. Prince Shotoku instructed that Hokki-no-miya be preserved as a temple for his son, and its origins are recorded in the "Shotoku Taishi Denshiki" (A Private Record of Prince Shotoku).

Although the temple declined in the Muromachi period, it was later restored by monks such as Shinsei Ennin. Renovations of the three-story pagoda and lecture hall followed, along with the construction of a repository to house the Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva statue, now designated an Important Cultural Property. As there are no surrounding buildings, the three-story pagoda can be seen from afar.

3. Chugu-ji Temple

Chugu-ji Temple is accessible from near the Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) of Horyu-ji. It is recommended to visit it along with Horyu-ji. Located between Prince Shotoku’s residence, Ikaruga Palace, and Horyu-ji, this temple is home to the famous National Treasure, the "Bodhisattva Half-Lotus Seated Statue" (also known as the temple’s legendary Nyoirin Kannon).

This statue was also featured on a 50-yen postage stamp, making it recognizable to many. Another National Treasure, the "Tenjukoku Shucho" (Tenjukoku Embroidery), is the oldest surviving embroidery work in Japan. It is said to have been commissioned by Princess Tachibana no Oiratsume, Prince Shotoku’s consort, to mourn his passing. Chugu-ji is the head temple of Horyu-ji’s nunnery tradition. If visited together with Horyu-ji, admission fees are discounted, making it a great deal.

4. Horin-ji Temple

Horin-ji Temple was built by Prince Yamashiro no Oe to pray for Prince Shotoku’s recovery from illness. Located north of the eastern precinct of Horyu-ji, it is a well-known historical site in Ikaruga along with Horyu-ji. Though not registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was reconstructed in a relatively recent period, making its bright vermilion colors still vividly visible, adding to its appeal as a sightseeing spot.

The lecture hall contains over ten Buddhist statues, making it a great destination for those interested in ancient temples. Although little is known about the temple’s founding due to a lack of records, its principal deities—the Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) and Kokuzo Bosatsu (Akasagarbha Bodhisattva)—date back to the late Asuka period and are considered extremely valuable.

5. Fujinoki Tumulus

Fujinoki Kofun is a circular burial mound built in the latter half of the 6th century. It is believed to be one of the last keyhole-shaped burial mounds. Located about 350 meters west of Horyu-ji’s western precinct, it is a popular tourist attraction along with the temple. The mound has a diameter of approximately 48 meters and a height of about 9 meters. The surrounding area has been developed into a park, making it a great spot for a leisurely walk.

Nearby, the Ikaruga Cultural Property Center offers visitors a look at replicas of excavated artifacts. In recent years, luxurious burial items have been discovered, enhancing the site's historical significance. The two individuals buried in the stone sarcophagus within the tomb are believed to be of imperial descent—young men, though their exact identities remain unknown. Some theories suggest it may be the tomb of Emperor Sushun, but the truth remains a mystery.

6. Mimuroyama

If you're visiting Ikaruga, be sure to stop by Mimuroyama, a location known for its breathtaking scenery. The mountain stands at 82 meters in elevation, with a five-ring pagoda at its peak. This pagoda, measuring 190 cm in height, is an uninscribed relic but is said to be associated with the poet Noin. It is believed that when Prince Shotoku established Ikaruga Palace in the Asuka period, he enshrined the guardian deity of Asuka here. The mountain is also called "Kaminabi-yama" or "Mimuro-yama," and the name "Kaminami" originates from this site.

During spring, the area is famous for cherry blossoms, while autumn attracts visitors for its vibrant foliage. For the best views, head to Tatsuta River at the foot of the mountain. Tatsuta Park has a well-equipped parking area, making it a great stop for a scenic drive.

◎ Summary

Ikaruga Town is home to many historical sites, including Horyu-ji Temple and ancient burial mounds, as well as beautiful natural landscapes. Many attractions are located near Horyu-ji Station, and the area also offers a variety of sweet treats and dining options. Be sure to visit and explore all that Ikaruga has to offer!