Visit the Hokiji Temple on a tour of the many fascinating shrines and temples in the town of Ikaruga. Admire the traditional Buddhist prayer halls that stand amid lush greenery, gaze at an emblematic pagoda and see a venerated sculpture.
Hokiji Temple originated in the 8th century as Prince Shōtoku’s Okamoto Palace. The prince commissioned his son to convert it into a temple upon his death. The temple thrived during the Nara period but later fell into disrepair. Visit today to see a collection of original structures and reconstructed buildings. Among the group of buildings is the Shotendo Hall, which dates to 1863. It occupies the site of the former kondō, the main hall and focal point of Buddhist temples built during the Asuka and Nara eras.
Turn your gaze to the three-storied, 79-foot-tall (24-meter) pagoda. Erected in the early 8th century, this Japanese National Treasure is the only surviving element of the original temple and one of few extant pagodas from the Asuka period. Look for notable features including the curving corners of each tier, wooden balconies and a spire-like sōrin. Legend says that Prince Shōtoku’s wish to turn his palace into a Buddhist temple was once inscribed on the pagoda’s base.
Another new building is the Kodo Hall, a lecture room built by priest Shinsei Ennin in the late 1600s. It stores a striking 11-faced statue of a bodhisattva that dates to the Heian era. Take time to appreciate the statue’s intricate facial features, flowing robes and delicately crafted flowers.
Hokiji Temple is open daily and has an admission fee. The temple is located in northeastern Ikaruga, about 1 mile (2 kilometers) from Yamato-Koizumi train station. While in the area, stop at nearby attractions such as the Chuguji Temple, Horinji Temple and Horyuji Temple. For a fun way to get between the temples, rent a bicycle or buggy from the Nara Ikaruga Tourism Waikaru information center.
