Horyu-ji (法隆寺, "Temple of the Flourishing Law") is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan.  The temple claims to have some of the oldest wooden buildings existing in the world.

The temple was originally set up in 607 on Prince Shotoku's instructions, and at the time it was called "Ikaruga-dera"(斑鳩寺). In 670 it was burned down, but gradually re-built until early 8th century. Later, it became a major religious center for Hossō Buddhism.

In 1993, Horyu-ji was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also, the Japanese government lists it as a national treasure.

External link

• Horyuji http://www.horyuji.or.jp/horyuji_e.htm
• Wikitravel: Horyuji http://wikitravel.org/en/article/Horyuji