See the Oldest Wooden Structure in the World! Explore Nara's Ikaruga Town
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Ikaruga, a town in Nara Prefecture, is home to Horyuji Temple, known as the oldest wooden structure in the world. The town offers splendid historical landmarks, local food, and unique cultural experiences. Ikaruga can be easily accessed from Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara!
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Tokyo, Japan
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Ikaruga, a Historic Town in Nara Prefecture
When thinking of Nara, the famous Todaiji Temple or the impressive Kasuga Taisha Shrine may be the first to come to mind. Or perhaps it's the image of adorable deer wandering through the city park. But Nara has many more sights that highlight its deep history and culture.
The town of Ikaruga, located in northwestern Nara Prefecture, is one such destination that we recommend. This town has strong ties to Shotoku Taishi (574 - 622, *1), a historical figure that laid the foundations of Japan as a nation, and is also where you can find World Heritage sites like Horyuji Temple and Hokiji Temple. Tatsuta-age, a popular Japanese type of fried chicken, originates in Ikaruga; the town has many other delicious regional dishes that should not be missed!
In this article, we introduce historical landmarks of Ikaruga, along with local cuisine, lodgings, and other ways to enjoy your visit here.
*1 Shotoku Taishi (574-622)... A politician in the imperial family who was active between the sixth to seventh century. In addition to his political achievements, he is revered as a bodhisattva for his role in promoting Buddhism in Japan.
Kichidenji Temple: See the Largest Amitabha Statue in Nara
The first place we would like to introduce is Kichidenji Temple. It is accessible in about 20 minutes by foot from JR Horyuji Station.
This temple was founded in 987 and the Sitting Statue of Amitabha (5.15 meters tall)—the largest Amitabha statue in Nara Prefecture—is enshrined here as the main object of worship. It’s said that by praying in front of the statue, you will not suffer from illness and depart from this world peacefully later in life.
Make an Original Temple Stamp Book
A popular activity at Kichidenji Temple is making your own goshuincho, or temple stamp book. (3,500 yen after tax/session).
A goshuincho is a book for collecting stamps to certify your visit to shrines or temples. The stamps are beautifully written in calligraphy by hand upon request, and each shrine and temple has its own stamp, which means that there are no two alike!
A recent trend among international visitors to Japan is to collect temple stamps in a goshuincho and keep it as a memento of their trip. If you want to create a special memory, the experience at Kichidenji Temple would be an excellent choice.
Participants can select a cover to adorn the front and back of their goshuincho. Sometimes, the temple will have seasonal washi paper or unique designs ordered from Nepal and other countries. Many people find themselves stuck on this step because of the endless variety of beautiful paper to choose from!
The monks will help participants during the workshop. Once you’re done, they will add a goshuin stamp and write the date of your visit in the personalized book.
Kichidenji Temple also has a temple block experience. A temple block is a wooden block struck while chanting sutras. Participants in this ritual can follow the monk's movement by hitting the temple block. In the end, you may feel a moment of slight liberation from your busy life.
Horyuji Temple: The World’s Oldest Wooden Structure
Picture courtesy of Ikaruga Town
Horyuji Temple is believed to have been established in 607 during the Asuka Period (592-710). This famed ancient temple is mentioned in Japanese history textbooks and is the best-known sightseeing spot in Ikaruga. It also has strong ties to Shotoku Taishi.
Take a step through Horyuji Temple’s South Gate and the noise of the outside world will slowly disappear. You might even feel as if you’ve stepped into an ancient world.
Horyuji Temple is the world’s oldest wooden structure. The architectural style is heavily influenced by Chinese temple architecture popular during the Six Dynasties (3rd century to 6th century AD).
Many items from the temple’s artwork, Buddhist statues, and architecture are designated national treasures and important cultural properties of Japan. In 1993, the temple became the first World Heritage site in Japan alongside Himeji Castle.
Picture courtesy of Ikaruga Town
There’s so much to see here in one day while touring temples and appreciating ancient artwork.
Hokiji Temple: One of Shotoku Taishi’s Seven Great Temples
Picture courtesy of Ikaruga Town
Hokiji Temple, two kilometers northeast from Horyuji Temple, is another sacred site with ties to Shotoku Taishi.
The temple was founded in 638. The only architecture that remains from that time is a three-storied pagoda. This structure became a World Heritage site along with Horyuji Temple in 1993. Many of its current architecture was rebuilt during the Edo Period (1603-1868).
Tatsuta-age, a Delicious Dish from Ikaruga
Picture courtesy of Ikaruga Town
When speaking about fried chicken in Japan, karaage usually comes to mind.
However, tatsuta-age is another way to cook karaage. It involves marinating fish or meat in soy sauce, mirin, and other ingredients. The meat is then covered in potato starch before being fried in oil.
It turns a golden-brown color that’s darker than your typical karaage. The potato starch also appears like a white coating on the surface. The name comes from the dish resembling autumn leaves floating down the Tatsuta River in Ikaruga.
Fukokuen: Lunch at an Old Japanese-Style Restaurant
Fukokuen, a popular cafe located in an old Japanese-style home, is located near Horyuji Temple. Constructed in 1887, Fukokuen was once the residence of Harufusa Kitabatake, a judicial officer from the Meiji Period (1868-1912).
The cafe interior is decorated with wooden patterns. The tables and chairs are made using Japanese cedar and cypress wood, exuding warmth in the space.
The main house is also visible from the cafe windows. This house was built by Tsunekichi Nishioka, the grandfather of Tsunekazu Nishioka who is known as the specialized carpenter in charge of maintaining Horyuji Temple.
The Ikaruga Specialty Tatsuta-Age Lunch (1,650 yen after tax) is made with local ingredients. You’ll want to try this dish while traveling in Ikaruga.
The assorted lunch set comes with tatsuta-age and somen (whole wheat noodles) in a broth made from shiitake mushrooms grown in Yoshino, Nara. The menu includes seasonal side dishes and a dessert so diners can savor flavors of the seasons at the dining table.
A Guided Buggy Tour Through Town
Some people believe “getting lost is the best way to learn about a place.” However, the fastest way to immerse oneself in an area is to hire a local guide to show you the way.
Nara Ikaruga Tourism Waikaru is a tour desk offering various experiences to visitors in Ikaruga.
Nara Ikaruga Tourism Waikaru hosts guided buggy tours around Horyuji Temple, Horinji Temple, and Hokiji Temple.
Picture courtesy of 斑鳩町
You will pass by the Fujinoki Tumulus while visiting these three Buddhist temples. The guide will also tell you interesting stories known only to locals. You get to enjoy the scenery of this historical town while listening to old legends!
Stay Overnight at Ikaruga Biyori
Ikaruga is a town that has cultivated its history and culture since the Asuka Period for over 1,400 years. There are other popular sightseeing spots outside of Horyuji Temple such as Mt. Mimuro, a famous cherry blossom spot. There’s also Chuguji Temple, home to a splendid statue of a Bodhisattva in half-lotus position; this statue is famous for its mysterious smile.
We recommend staying overnight in the town in order to truly appreciate what Ikaruga has to offer.
Ikaruga Biyori is a guesthouse located next to Nara Ikaruga Tourism Waikaru. A blend of Japanese and Western styles, the rooms are suitable for long and short stays and are fully equipped with excellent amenities.
Convenient Access to Ikaruga from Nara
JR Horyuji Station in Ikaruga is accessible in 40 minutes from JR Namba Station in Osaka or in one hour and 10 minutes from JR Kyoto Station. It’s also 10 minutes from JR Nara Station.
Since Ikaruga is easily accessible from the city, it’d be a great idea to embark from here on your next trip to Nara!
Main image courtesy of Ikaruga
Sponsored by Ikaruga
Written by MissVoyage
MATCHA's promotional account for corporate and local government advertising. We aim to provide useful information to our readers in an enjoyable manner.
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