Hokiji temple [法起寺]
Hokiji in autumn
Entrance gate of Hokiji
Photo by photolibrary
Hokiji is a Buddhist temple, and is about 2 km located northeast of Horyuji temple.
"O" in the word is pronounced long, so it is read as "Hôkiji".
Many people also say "Hokkiji".
This temple is one of "Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area" designated as a World Heritage Site.
It was founded in 638, and Chuguji was also founded in the same period.
Originally there was Okamoto Palace in this site.
It was the palace that Prince Shotoku was living.
After he died in 622, the palace was changed to a temple according to his will.
It is said that the temple was current Hokiji.
The precinct is a square shape with each side being about 80 meters long.
There is a small pond in the center of the precinct, and a few buildings are around the pond.
By the pond, there is Shôtendo (聖天堂).
It was rebuilt on the place of original temple in 1863.
Koudo (講堂) is current main temple, and was rebuilt in 1694.
Koudo of Hokiji
Photo by (c)Tomo.Yun
Three-story pagoda of Hokiji
Photo by Rettou Houmotsukan
Three-story pagoda (三重塔) was built in 706, and it is only the original building in this temple.
It is the oldest three-story pagoda in Japan.
The height is 24 meters, and it is the Japan's highest one except Toto in Yakushiji with unique architecture.
This pagoda is designated as a national treasure.
Rice field are spreading around the temple.
Around October, cosmos flowers bloom in the field and we can see the popular scenery of the temple.
How to get here
On foot, about 5 minutes from Tô-in Garan in Horyuji.
