A 27-bay dormitory beside the East Dormitory
The Horyuji Temple Tsumamuro Dormitory (法隆寺妻室, Hōryū-ji Tsumamuro) in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, is a late Heian-period monks' dormitory built around 1121, running parallel to the east side of the East Dormitory, and designated an Important Cultural Property on June 26, 1942.
A long, narrow building 27 bays by 2, it is single-storey with a gabled tile roof. The Kofuzo treasury stands next to it on the east.
A lesser dormitory for the great one
In the great monasteries of the Nara and Heian periods, dormitories surrounded the lecture hall. Beside a main dormitory (daibō) stood a long, narrow lesser dormitory called a shōshibō. The Horyuji Tsumamuro is considered the shōshibō to the East Dormitory.
Twenty-seven bays long but only two deep, its plan shows a row of small rooms for living. It appears to date from about the time the East Dormitory was heavily repaired in 1121, making it a valuable example of a late Heian dormitory.
What to look for
Notice the two buildings side by side. The East Dormitory is four bays deep; the Tsumamuro only two, with a lower roof. The difference in rank between main and lesser dormitory is written into their size.
The long gabled roof running in a straight line gives this corner a calm, everyday character, far from the showpiece halls.
Visiting
The Horyuji Tsumamuro stands east of the East Dormitory and west of the Kofuzo, and can be seen from the paths. The interior is normally closed.
Hours, tickets and directions are on the Horyuji page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Nara
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Horyuji Temple Tsumamuro Dormitory
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Q&A
- What is the Horyuji Temple Tsumamuro Dormitory?
- A late Heian monks' dormitory, the long, narrow lesser dormitory paired with the East Dormitory.
- When was the Horyuji Tsumamuro built?
- Around 1121.
- How do you read Tsumamuro?
- "Tsuma-muro."
- Where is the Horyuji Tsumamuro?
- East of the Western Precinct, beside the East Dormitory and west of the Kofuzo; it can be seen from the paths.
- Is the Horyuji Tsumamuro an Important Cultural Property?
- Yes. It was designated on June 26, 1942.
Basic Information
| Name | Horyuji Temple Tsumamuro Dormitory (Hōryū-ji Tsumamuro) |
|---|---|
| Location | Horyuji Sannai, Ikaruga, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property |
| Year Designated | 1942/6/26 (Showa 17) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | 27 by 2 bays, single storey, gabled roof, tile roof |
| Owner | Horyuji Temple |
| Public Access | Exterior only (interior normally closed) |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties — Horyuji Tsumamuro
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/2712
- Cultural Heritage Online — Horyuji Tsumamuro
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/db/heritages/detail/201639
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties — Horyuji East Dormitory
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/2711
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties — Horyuji Kofuzo
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/2714
Last verified: 2026.10.01
