Muromachi housing in the Kitamuroin sub-temple
The Horyuji Temple Kitamuroin Taishiden Hall (法隆寺北室院太子殿, Hōryū-ji Kitamuro-in Taishiden) in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, is a mid-Muromachi building, from about 1393 to 1466, in the Kitamuroin sub-temple, designated an Important Cultural Property on June 9, 1943. The national database classifies it as a residence.
The main block measures 11.6 meters by 11.1 meters, with a projecting entrance corridor (chūmonrō) 5.0 meters by 3.0 meters; it is single-storey.
A sub-temple dwelling as heritage
Most designated buildings at Horyuji are halls and gates, but the Horyuji Kitamuroin Taishiden is listed as housing. Sub-temples were where monks lived, and this building preserves that domestic side of temple life in medieval form.
A main block with a projecting entrance corridor is a layout found in upper-class medieval houses: the corridor doubles as the route to the entrance and forms the face presented to guests. The Taishiden carries that form inside a temple compound.
Kitamuroin also keeps its main hall and front gate, both Important Cultural Properties, so the three together show the makeup of a complete sub-temple.
What to look for
Note the contrast between the near-square main block, 11.6 meters by 11.1 meters, and the small corridor of 5.0 meters by 3.0 meters. From outside, the projecting corridor tells you which way the entrance faces.
The name Taishiden presumably refers to Prince Shōtoku. Even a sub-temple dwelling carries a name that reflects the devotion to the prince running through Horyuji.
Visiting
The Horyuji Kitamuroin Taishiden stands inside the sub-temple and is not open to the public. You cannot see it up close, but the Kitamuroin front gate can be seen from the paths.
Hours, tickets and directions are on the Horyuji page.
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Q&A
- What is the Horyuji Temple Kitamuroin Taishiden Hall?
- A mid-Muromachi building in the Kitamuroin sub-temple, classified as a residence, with a main block and projecting entrance corridor.
- How big is the Horyuji Kitamuroin Taishiden?
- The main block is 11.6 meters by 11.1 meters, the entrance corridor 5.0 meters by 3.0 meters.
- Can you visit the Horyuji Kitamuroin Taishiden?
- No. It is inside the sub-temple and closed, though the Kitamuroin front gate can be seen from the paths.
- What else at Kitamuroin is designated?
- Its main hall and front gate are also Important Cultural Properties.
- Is the Horyuji Kitamuroin Taishiden an Important Cultural Property?
- Yes. It was designated on June 9, 1943.
Basic Information
| Name | Horyuji Temple Kitamuroin Taishiden Hall (Hōryū-ji Kitamuro-in Taishiden) |
|---|---|
| Location | Horyuji Sannai, Ikaruga, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property |
| Year Designated | 1943/6/9 (Showa 18) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Main block 11.6 meters by 11.1 meters; entrance corridor 5.0 meters by 3.0 meters; single storey |
| Owner | Horyuji Temple |
| Public Access | Closed |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties — Horyuji Kitamuroin Taishiden
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/2732
- Cultural Heritage Online — Horyuji Kitamuroin Taishiden
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/db/heritages/detail/201659
Last verified: 2026.10.01
