Sub-temple walls east of the approach
The Horyuji Temple Western Precinct Southeast Sub-Temple Walls (法隆寺西院東南隅子院築垣, Hōryū-ji Sai-in Tōnan-sumi Shiin Tsuigaki) in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, are Edo-period earthen walls enclosing the block of sub-temples in the southeast corner of the Western Precinct, designated an Important Cultural Property on June 9, 1943. The west and north sections count as one designation of two structures.
The west wall, built between 1615 and 1660, is 82.3 meters long and includes two gates. The north wall, built between 1661 and 1800, is 203.3 meters long, includes five gates and spans the Hokoin, Mirokuin, Jissoin and Fumonin sub-temples. Both have tiled coping.
Walls that keep a townscape
The wall along the east side of the approach from the Great South Gate to the Middle Gate is the west face of this enclosure. It faces the Southwest Sub-Temple Walls across the path, so the approach runs between them.
The north wall runs east for 203.3 meters, joining the boundaries of four sub-temples and holding five gates. The value of the Horyuji Western Precinct Southeast Sub-Temple Walls lies in keeping walls and gates continuous, preserving something like a street of monks' houses. Built in stages from the early to the late Edo period, the walls carry their own layers of time.
What to look for
Walking up the approach toward the Middle Gate, the west wall runs along your left. The gates along it signal sub-temples behind.
Follow the north wall and you notice each sub-temple's gate has its own character. Five gates in 203.3 meters make it clear the wall was the face of each household, not just a fence.
Visiting
The walls can be seen freely from the approach and paths through the grounds. The sub-temples inside are not open to the public.
Hours, tickets and directions are on the Horyuji page.
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Q&A
- What are the Horyuji Western Precinct Southeast Sub-Temple Walls?
- Edo-period earthen walls around the sub-temple block in the southeast of the Western Precinct, designated as one property in two sections.
- Where can you see the Horyuji Southeast Sub-Temple Walls?
- The west wall lines the east side of the approach from the Great South Gate; the north wall spans the Hokoin, Mirokuin, Jissoin and Fumonin sub-temples.
- How long are the Horyuji Southeast Sub-Temple Walls?
- The west wall is 82.3 meters with two gates and the north wall 203.3 meters with five gates.
- Can you go inside the Horyuji Southeast Sub-Temple Walls?
- No. The sub-temples inside are closed, but the walls are visible from the paths.
- When were the Horyuji Southeast Sub-Temple Walls designated?
- They were designated an Important Cultural Property on June 9, 1943.
Basic Information
| Name | Horyuji Temple Western Precinct Southeast Sub-Temple Walls |
|---|---|
| Location | Horyuji Sannai, Ikaruga, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property |
| Year Designated | 1943/6/9 (Showa 18) |
| Quantity | 2 structures (west and north) |
| Dimensions | West: 82.3 meters (including 2 gates). North: 203.3 meters (including 5 gates). Earthen walls, tile coping |
| Owner | Horyuji Temple |
| Public Access | Exterior only (sub-temples inside closed) |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties — Horyuji Southeast Sub-Temple Walls (West)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/2723
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties — Horyuji Southeast Sub-Temple Walls (North)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/2724
- Cultural Heritage Online — Horyuji Southeast Sub-Temple Walls (West)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/db/heritages/detail/195380
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.
- Fence of the Southeast Corner of the Western Precinct of West side 0.00 km
- Fence of the Southeast Corner of the Western Precinct of north face 0.11 km
