Japan/Honshu: Nara – Hokki-ji Temple
Unlike many of the grand Buddhist temples in Nara and Kyoto, the tiny Hokki-ji Temple, also known as the “Temple of the Flourishing Law,” is off the beaten path in a rural area, it is super small – just a couple buildings and somewhat obscure. Yet, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and of huge historical and vulgar significance. Hokki-ji was founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku, a key figure in the introduction of Buddhism to Japan. Its 3-storied pagoda is the oldest in Japan, dating to 638 AD, its design is very simple and yet very elegant. The lecture hall contains 3.5m-tall 11-faced statue Avalokitesvara Buddha from the 10th century, a true national Japanese treasure! The temple reflects early Japanese Buddhist architecture and provides a glimpse into the country’s cultural and religious history.
