Japan’s Oldest Temple with a History of Relocation
Originally established as Hokoji (also known as Asukadera) by Soga no Umako at the end of the 6th century in Asuka Village, the temple was later relocated and rebuilt at its current site with the capital’s move to Heijo-kyo, and renamed Gangoji.
Once one of the Seven Great Temples of Nanto, it dominated the southeastern area of present-day Nara City.
Its vast grounds were once filled with impressive buildings such as the Main Hall (Kondo), Lecture Hall, Five-Story Pagoda, and monks’ quarters.
However, by the mid-Heian period, the temple had fallen into decline. Today, only a part of the monks’ quarters remains.
The Gokurakudo Hall, once part of the monks’ quarters, was reconstructed into the Gokurakudo (a National Treasure) and Zen Room (also a National Treasure) during the Kamakura period.
Roof tiles from the Asuka and Nara periods still remain today.
Since medieval times, the temple has attracted the devotion of common people. Numerous stone Buddhas and folk artifacts have been discovered on the grounds.
Inside the Horinkan Hall are many cultural treasures, including a wooden miniature five-story pagoda from the Nara period (National Treasure), a wooden seated statue of Amida Nyorai, and various medieval folk religious artifacts (Important Cultural Properties).
