Fujimi 500171 Horyuji Yumedono

Horyu-ji (Polish Temple of the Rising Flower) is a Japanese Buddhist temple, dated to AD 607 (Asuka period in the history of Japan), which makes it one of the oldest preserved buildings of this type in today's Land of the Rising Sun! The temple complex is located in the city of Ikarusa in the Nara Prefecture on the island of Honshu. Interestingly, it was erected by construction masters brought in from Korea. Currently (since 1993), the Horyu-ji complex is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. One of the most important elements of Horyu-ji is Yumedono, the Hall of Dreams. The pavilion - in its modern form - was erected in 739 to commemorate Prince Shotoku, who during his lifetime often spent and meditated in the temple complex. The name of the pavilion comes from the legend saying that the Buddha - in the form of Prince Shotoku - had come to this place and he devoted himself to meditation.