Exploring Prayers of Nara: Special Viewing of Horyuji Saiendo & Inside the Fujinoki Tumulus Stone Chamber

About this event

In Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, home to the World Heritage Site Horyuji Temple, the history of people's 'prayers' still lives on today. On this tour, you will participate in a special visit and special viewing of the stone chamber interior of Fujinoki Tumulus and Horyuji's Saiendo, both of which are normally closed to entry. Tracing the spirit of mourning embodied in the tumulus and the Yakushi faith inherited at Saiendo, you can encounter the culture of prayer in Ikaruga that has continued for over 1,400 years. Guided by a cultural heritage engineer and a Buddhist priest, this special journey offers a deep experience of Ikaruga's history and spiritual culture. Guide receivers are provided so you can listen to commentary while walking and not miss any explanations while on the move. The tour also includes an exclusive Horyuji goshuin stamp and a special admission ticket valid until the next day. Fujinoki Tumulus is a large round burial mound approximately 50 meters in diameter, estimated to have been constructed in the late 6th century, from whose stone chamber luxurious grave goods were unearthed. Horyuji Saiendo is an octagonal round hall enshrining a Yakushi Nyorai statue known as 'Mine no Yakushi,' with the present building reconstructed in 1250. Inside the hall, statues such as the Twelve Heavenly Generals are enshrined surrounding the Yakushi Nyorai statue, and an immense number of swords and armor suits have been dedicated.

Venue

Horyuji i-Center

1-8-25 Horyuji, Ikaruga-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara 636-0116