A Kamakura cloister around the Yumedono
The Horyuji Temple Eastern Precinct Corridors (法隆寺東院廻廊, Hōryū-ji Tōin Kairō) in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, are the early Kamakura cloister walks surrounding the Yumedono in the Eastern Precinct, built in 1237 and designated an Important Cultural Property on April 7, 1900. The East and West Corridors count as one designation of two structures.
Including turns, the East Corridor runs 22 bays and the West Corridor 21. Both are single-aisle walks one bay deep, single-storey and gabled, with tile roofs.
Drawing the outline of the precinct
The Eastern Precinct was built on the site of Prince Shōtoku's Ikaruga Palace as a memorial to him. Excavations during repairs from 1934 onward revealed the size of the original corridor. The present corridors date from 1237.
In the same early Kamakura years the Raido went up south of the Yumedono in 1231, the Shariden and Edono to the north in 1219, and the Yumedono itself was heavily remodeled in 1230. The Horyuji Eastern Precinct Corridors preserve the precinct as it was put together then, as the frame around the Yumedono.
What to look for
The corridors form a rectangle around the octagonal Yumedono. Stand inside and the octagon's roof and finial appear framed by the line of corridor roofs.
Posts and rainbow beams repeat steadily along the single aisle. Compare them with the Asuka-period corridors of the Western Precinct to see how timber was handled differently across the centuries.
Visiting
The Eastern Precinct Corridors are within the Eastern Precinct ticket area and are seen from inside the cloister while visiting the Yumedono. The precinct is busiest in spring and autumn, when the Kuse Kannon is shown.
Hours, tickets and directions are on the Horyuji page.
Q&A
- When were the Horyuji Eastern Precinct Corridors built?
- In 1237, in the early Kamakura period.
- How long are the Horyuji Eastern Precinct Corridors?
- The East Corridor runs 22 bays and the West Corridor 21, including turns, each one bay deep.
- How are the Horyuji Eastern Precinct Corridors related to the Yumedono?
- They enclose the Yumedono, the center of the Eastern Precinct, and form the precinct's outline.
- Can you visit the Horyuji Eastern Precinct Corridors?
- Yes. They are within the Eastern Precinct ticket area and seen from inside while visiting the Yumedono.
- Are the Horyuji Eastern Precinct Corridors an Important Cultural Property?
- Yes. They were designated on April 7, 1900.
Basic Information
| Name | Horyuji Temple Eastern Precinct Corridors (Hōryū-ji Tōin Kairō) |
|---|---|
| Location | Horyuji Sannai, Ikaruga, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property |
| Year Designated | 1900/4/7 (Meiji 33) |
| Quantity | 2 buildings (East and West Corridors) |
| Dimensions | East Corridor 22 bays and West Corridor 21 bays including turns, each 1 bay deep, single storey, gabled roof, tile roof |
| Owner | Horyuji Temple |
| Public Access | Within the Eastern Precinct ticket area |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties — Horyuji Eastern Precinct Corridors (East)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/2694
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties — Horyuji Eastern Precinct Corridors (West)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/2695
- Cultural Heritage Online — Horyuji Eastern Precinct Corridors (East)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/db/heritages/detail/147891
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties — Horyuji Eastern Precinct Yumedono
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/2684
Last verified: 2026.10.01
Cultural Treasures in the Same Area
All are within walking distance in the same area, so we recommend visiting them together.
- Horyuji Temple Eastern Precinct Corridor west corridor 0.00 km
- Horyuji Temple Eastern Precinct Corridor east corridor 0.04 km
