Edo-period walls around a sub-temple block
The Horyuji Temple Western Precinct Southwest Sub-Temple Walls (法隆寺西院西南隅子院築垣, Hōryū-ji Sai-in Seinan-sumi Shiin Tsuigaki) in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, are Edo-period earthen walls enclosing the block of sub-temples in the southwest corner of the Western Precinct, designated an Important Cultural Property on June 9, 1943. The east and north sections count as one designation of two structures.
The east wall, built between 1615 and 1703, runs 32.5 meters south of the Agetsuchimon gate (including one gate), 6.7 meters between the Agetsuchimon and the Karamon, and 37.3 meters north of the Karamon. The north wall, built between 1615 and 1681, runs 52.4 meters east and 67.1 meters west of the Great Bathhouse Front Gate, spanning the Jizoin and Saionin sub-temples. Both have tiled coping.
Walls between the approach and the sub-temples
From the Middle Ages, residential sub-temples for monks filled the southern half of the Western Precinct, each enclosing its plot with earthen walls. The wall running along the west side of the approach from the Great South Gate to the Middle Gate is the east face of this enclosure.
The Saionin Agetsuchimon and Karamon open in the east wall and the Great Bathhouse Front Gate in the north wall, each designated in its own right. The walls tie those gates together into the outline of the sub-temple block. Their value lies in preserving wall and gates as one continuous townscape of monastic quarters.
What to look for
Walking up the approach, keep an eye on the wall to your right, the west side. The Agetsuchimon and the Karamon stand only 6.7 meters apart, two quite different gates side by side.
The north wall stretches east and west from the Great Bathhouse Front Gate, which dates from the early Muromachi period and is older than the walls beside it.
Visiting
The Horyuji Western Precinct Southwest Sub-Temple Walls can be seen freely from the approach and the 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 Southwest Sub-Temple Walls?
- Edo-period earthen walls around the sub-temple block in the southwest of the Western Precinct, designated as one property in two sections.
- Where can you see the Horyuji Southwest Sub-Temple Walls?
- The east wall lines the west side of the approach from the Great South Gate; the Great Bathhouse Front Gate opens in the north wall.
- How long are the Horyuji Southwest Sub-Temple Walls?
- The east wall runs 32.5, 6.7 and 37.3 meters around its two gates; the north wall 52.4 and 67.1 meters either side of the Great Bathhouse Front Gate.
- Can you go inside the Horyuji Southwest Sub-Temple Walls?
- No. The sub-temples inside are closed, but the walls are visible from the paths.
- When were the Horyuji Southwest Sub-Temple Walls designated?
- They were designated an Important Cultural Property on June 9, 1943.
Basic Information
| Name | Horyuji Temple Western Precinct Southwest 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 (east and north) |
| Dimensions | East: 32.5 meters south of the Agetsuchimon (including 1 gate), 6.7 meters between the Agetsuchimon and Karamon, 37.3 meters north of the Karamon. North: 52.4 meters east and 67.1 meters west of the Great Bathhouse Front Gate. 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 Southwest Sub-Temple Walls (East)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/2725
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties — Horyuji Southwest Sub-Temple Walls (North)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/2726
- Cultural Heritage Online — Horyuji Southwest Sub-Temple Walls (East)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/db/heritages/detail/175962
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 Southwest Corner Temple of Horyuji Temple East side 0.00 km
- Fence of the Southwest Corner Temple of Horyuji Temple north face 0.08 km
