This guide covers the Western and Eastern Precincts of Horyuji, Chuguji and Hokiji, with the routes, times and fees you need.
At Horyuji you can see the Kondo main hall and the pagoda side by side on a gravel courtyard, a heavy tiled gate in a long white-walled corridor, and the octagonal Yumedono hall on a stone platform. Chuguji has a main hall with red pillars at the top of a short stone path, and Hokiji's pagoda stands behind fields.
The notes below follow the temples in that order and then explain how to get there and back. Decide which of the temples you want to see, and then use the practical details to plan the day around them.
Horyuji's Western Precinct
Horyuji can be reached on foot from JR Horyuji Station. The same admission fee covers the Western Precinct (Saiin Garan) and the Daihozoin.
Horyuji's visiting hours change with the season. Reception at Horyuji closes a little before the end of visiting hours, so arrive with time to spare. Admission fees at Horyuji are payable in cash only, so carry yen with you.
The Eastern Precinct and the Yumedono
The Eastern Precinct (Toin Garan) is covered by the same admission fee. The hidden Buddha of the Yumedono, the Kuse Kannon statue, is shown in a special opening in spring. There is a special opening in autumn too. If the statue is your reason to go, plan the trip around the spring or autumn opening.
Chuguji and Hokiji
From the south gate of Horyuji, Chuguji is within walking distance. Reception at Chuguji ends a little before closing time. Adults pay more than elementary school students to enter Chuguji.
Hokiji's visiting hours also change with the season. Reception at Hokiji closes a little before the end of visiting hours, so do not leave it until the last moment. Hokiji takes cash only for admission fees.
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Getting there
The Yamatoji Line rapid service runs from JR Nara Station to JR Horyuji Station. From JR Horyuji Station a bus goes toward the Horyuji-sando stop. Walking times from the stop to the south gate of Horyuji and on to Chuguji are in the table below.
A private parking lot next to the Horyuji i-Center charges a fee per car for each use.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| JR fare and ride, JR Nara Station to JR Horyuji Station | 230 yen, about 11 minutes |
| JR Horyuji Station on foot to Horyuji Nandaimon | about 20 minutes |
| JR Horyuji Station by bus to the Horyuji-sando stop | about 8 minutes |
| Horyuji-sando stop on foot to Horyuji Nandaimon | about 3 minutes |
| Horyuji Nandaimon on foot to Chuguji | about 8 minutes |
| Horyuji-sando stop on foot to Chuguji | about 8 minutes |
| JR Horyuji Station north exit on foot to the Horyuji i-Center | about 15 minutes |
If you would rather have the day arranged for you, look at guided tours around Horyuji.
New to rural buses and one-man trains? See how to ride them, step by step.
Hours, fees and closures
The table lists times and fees for Horyuji, Hokiji, Chuguji, the Horyuji i-Center and the tourist information desk, along with the spring and autumn dates for the Yumedono.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Horyuji hours, February 22 to November 3 | 8:00 to 17:00 |
| Horyuji hours, November 4 to February 21 | 8:00 to half past 4 in the afternoon |
| Horyuji reception | closes 30 minutes before the end of visiting hours |
| Horyuji admission, adult | 2,000 yen (also university and high school students; covers the Western Precinct, Daihozoin and Eastern Precinct) |
| Horyuji admission, junior high and elementary school students | 1,700 yen and 1,000 yen |
| Horyuji payment | cash only |
| Yumedono hidden Buddha special opening | spring, April 11 to May 18; autumn, October 22 to November 22 |
| Hokiji hours, February 22 to November 3 | 8:30 to 17:00 |
| Hokiji hours, November 4 to February 21 | 8:30 to 16:30 |
| Hokiji reception | closes 30 minutes before the end of visiting hours |
| Hokiji admission, adult | 500 yen (also university and high school students) |
| Hokiji admission, junior high and elementary school students | 400 yen and 300 yen |
| Hokiji payment | cash only |
| Chuguji hours, October 1 to March 20 | 9:00 to 16:00, reception until 15:45 |
| Chuguji hours, March 21 to September 30 | 9:00 to 16:30, reception until 16:15 |
| Chuguji admission, adult | 600 yen |
| Chuguji admission, elementary school student | 300 yen |
| Horyuji i-Center hours | 8:30 to 18:00, open all year |
| JR Horyuji Station tourist information desk hours | 9:00 to 15:00, open all year |
| Private parking lot next to the Horyuji i-Center | 500 yen per car per use |