Hokki-ji Temple or temple of the Arising Dharma was once known as Okamoto-dera. Founded by Prince Shotoku who dedicated his life to spreading Buddhism came to understand the Lotus Sutra here in a palace that was later turned into a temple during the 7th century. The small three storied pagoda is the oldest in Japan. Though most of the other buildings at Hokkiji were destroyed by fire, this pagoda indicates what the rest of the temple would have originally looked like. It has been designated a National Treasure and a UNESCO World Hertiage Site. The pagoda is similar to the one at nearby Horyu-ji built by the same prince, and it is thought that it may have been built by the person who designed Horyu-ji.
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