The Horyu-ji Temple complex is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan and is home to some of the oldest wooden structures in the world. It is believed that Horyu-ji was founded in 607 by the legendary Prince Shotoku. In 1993, it was the first place in Japan to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple has accumulated many historical and cultural treasures over the centuries, among which 190 are considered National Treasures of Japan. Some are on display in the Horyu-ji Treasure House, while others are in the best museums in Japan.

Toshodaiji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Nara. It was built in the 8th century by the Chinese monk Ganjin, who was specially invited by the Japanese emperor to enhance the already established Buddhism in Japan. Ganjin managed to reach Japan only on his sixth attempt, by which time he was already blind and elderly. He brought to Japan not only the contemporary Buddhist teachings but also a wealth of everyday and practical knowledge. A few years after his arrival in Japan, Ganjin passed away and was buried on the grounds of the temple he founded, Tōshōdaiji. The buildings of the temple complex, constructed during the Nara period, are considered National Treasures of Japan.

Yakushiji Temple is one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, established in 680 and dedicated to the Medicine Buddha. Throughout its centuries-long history, the temple has burned down multiple times, and now only the Eastern Pagoda remains as an original structure from the 8th century. The entire complex is a unique example of ancient Japanese architecture and is considered one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.