Visit Nara

This museum is included in the combined entrance fee to Horyuji Temple and is well worth a visit. It is designed in a traditional style with state of the art lighting and temperature controls, and contains treasures from many eras, from the Asuka period up to the Meiji period. Many of the Horyuji Temple treasures are actually kept at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno, but there is plenty to see here. One of the most famous works is the Kudara Kannon, carved in the Asuka period (7th century) from a single block of camphor wood. At just over 3m tall, it is unusual for its slim, elongated form and enigmatic smile.