Horyuji Temple Introduction: Horyuji Temple, also known as Ikarugaji Temple, is said to have been built in 607 by Prince Shotoku, the most praised prince in Japanese history. It is Japan's first world cultural heritage. The West Courtyard Garan in the temple is the oldest wooden structure building complex in the world. The temple also preserves a large number of paintings, sculptures, Buddhist statues and other Japanese national treasures and important cultural properties dating back to the Asuka period.