Hokiji Temple

Tradition says that Yamashiro-no-Oe built this temple by order of Prince Shotoku. The Main Hall was built in 638 and the Three Story Pagoda was built in 685. The Three Story Pagoda which is about 23 meters tall and a National Treasure is one of the Three Pagodas in Ikaruga. It is the oldest and biggest of its kind in Japan. It is a good example of Asuka style. Hokiji Temple is also famous for its wooden image of the Eleven-headed Kannon which is designated as an Important Cultural Asset and its bronze image of Bosatsu which is also known as Asuka-butsu (the Asuka style statues).