Hokiji Temple
It is said that the Hokkiji Temple was originally the Okamoto Palace where Prince Shotoku lectured on the Lotus Sutra, and was converted into a temple by Prince Yamashiro, the eldest son of Prince Shotoku, in accordance with his dying wish.
It is one of the seven temples built by Prince Shotoku, together with those of Horyuji, Shitennoji and Chuguji.
The three-storey pagoda is the largest and oldest in Japan and still retains the architectural style of the Asuka period (538-710).
Excavations have revealed the remains of the Kondo (Main Hall), the Kodo (Lecture Hall) and the Chumon (Gate).
It is registered as a World Heritage site as part of the "Buddhist Monuments of the Horyu-ji Area".
