Major city · Japan
Hōryūji法隆寺
Do Hōryūji as a day trip from Nara (≈2‑3 h total, ¥1,000 entry); stay only if you want a night at Waqoo Horyuji (¥54,000 double).
Hōryūji is a UNESCO World Heritage temple complex near Nara, famous for the world’s oldest wooden hall and five‑story pagoda. The site spans over a kilometre and is best explored on foot; a half‑day visit from Nara covers the main sights.
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More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- JPY
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jun–Jul (rainy season), Golden Week (late Apr–early May)
- Airport
- Kansai International (KIX)
- Nights
- 0
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 5
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- Japan ↗IC cards (ICOCA/Suica) are topped up with cash at station machines.
- Japan ↗Smoking while walking is banned in most city centres; use designated areas.
- Japan ↗Shinkansen bags 160–250 cm (L+W+H) need a seat reserved with the oversized-baggage area.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Hōryūji110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Hōryūji, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Cities are increasingly cashless; temples, small restaurants and some lodging taxes still want cash.Japan-wide
- SIM or eSIMData-only eSIMs are the easy route: buy before you fly; voice SIMs need a residence card.Japan-wide
- Tap waterSafe from the tap everywhere; stations and parks have fountains.Japan-wide
- TippingRestaurants and bars: No tip; staff will chase you to return money left on the table.Japan-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 100 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Japan-wide
- SafetyHōryūji area is safe; watch for bicycles on sidewalks and keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded stations.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree, clean public toilets in stations, parks and konbini; paper goes in the toilet.Japan-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire and ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMuseums close on Mondays (Tuesday when Monday is a holiday); many family restaurants close one weekday, often Tuesday or Wednesday…Japan-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportKIX Kansai International (≈45 km (28 mi), train via Nara to Hōryūji).KIX Kansai International (≈28 mi (45 km), train via Nara to Hōryūji).
- Getting aroundJR Hōryūji station (Yamatoji line) is 20 min walk to the temple; local buses (routes 62, 63, 92) stop at the gate; the complex is walk‑only.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a café¥400–¥600 (≈ US$3–5)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi (5 km (3.1 mi))Taxi (3.1 mi (5 km))¥2,200–¥2,700 (≈ US$15–19)
- Budget bedHostel bed in Nara, a night, per person¥3,500 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedWaqoo Horyuji double room, a night, per room¥54,000 (≈ US$400)
- High-end bedWaqoo Horyuji double room, a night, per room¥54,000 (≈ US$400)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ¥5,000 (≈ US$35) · Mid ¥10,000 (≈ US$70) · High ¥20,000 (≈ US$140)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- KIX Kansai International (≈45 km (28 mi), train via Nara to Hōryūji)KIX Kansai International (≈28 mi (45 km), train via Nara to Hōryūji)
Map of Hōryūji
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Feb
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Mar
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Apr
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Dec
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jun–Jul. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Jan (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Hōryūji: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
5 rd
Feb
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
5 rd
Mar
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
7 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
10 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Nov
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
6 rd
Dec
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
JR Hōryūji station (Yamatoji line) is 20 min walk to the temple; local buses (routes 62, 63, 92) stop at the gate; the complex is walk‑only.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Nara
goDoor to door: ≈30 min round‑trip
JR Yamatoji line, about 12 min from Nara Station
Visit Todai‑ji and Nara Park before or after Hōryūji.
Asuka
goDoor to door: ≈1 h 30 min
JR Yamatoji line to Oji, then local bus 20 min
Historic Asuka period sites, good for a half‑day.
Yoshino
cautionDoor to door: ≈2 h
JR Yamatoji line to Yoshino, about 1 h 15 min
Scenic area, best in spring for cherry blossoms.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Waqoo Horyuji
Tatami rooms and western beds; doubles ¥54,000
Day‑trip from Nara
Most visitors stay in Nara and return the same day
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥5,000–¥8,000 (≈ US$35–55) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥9,000–¥15,000 (≈ US$65–110) excl. bed
- High
- ¥15,000 (≈ US$110)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hostel bed in Nara1 × 1 night × ¥3,500 | ¥3,500 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × ¥5,000 | ¥5,000 |
| JR Nara → Hōryūji round trip1 × ¥1,540 · check | ¥1,540 |
| Temple admission1 × ¥1,000 · check | ¥1,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ¥1,100 |
| Trip total≈ ¥12,140 per person per day, bed included | ¥12,140≈ US$85 |
2026 estimate in yen; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | ¥400–¥600 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Bento box | ¥800–¥1,200 (≈ US$6–9) |
| Taxi (5 km) | ¥2,200–¥2,700 (≈ US$15–19) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Temple open 08:00‑16:30 (later on some days); admission ¥1,000 (≈ US$7) (check for discounts).Temple open 8:00 AM‑4:30 PM (later on some days); admission ¥1,000 (≈ US$7) (check for discounts).
- Yumedono statues displayed only Apr 11‑May 18 and Oct 22‑Nov 23.
- Chūgū‑ji entrance fee ¥500 (≈ US$4), separate from main complex.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire and ambulance
- 119
Pocket card
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Hōryūji法隆寺
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
ここまでお願いしますTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire and ambulance119
Embassy
US consulate in Osaka; other embassies in Tokyo.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Nara → Hōryūji (JR): about ¥770 (≈ US$6), 12 min (check)
- Local bus to temple gate: about ¥200 (≈ US$2), 5 min (check)
Say or show
- すみません — Excuse me / Sorry (sumimasen)
- ありがとうございます — Thank you (arigatō gozaimasu)
- いくらですか？ — How much is it? (ikura desu ka)
- トイレはどこですか？ — Where is the toilet? (toire wa doko desu ka)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Hōryūji. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jun–Jul (rainy season), Golden Week (late Apr–early May) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Hōryūji
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