Ikaruga, Nara facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ikaruga 斑鳩町
Town
Flag Chapter
Location of Ikaruga in Nara Prefecture
Ikaruga Location in Japan
Country	Japan
Region	Kansai
Prefecture	Nara Prefecture
District	Ikoma
Area
• Total	14.27 km2 (5.51 sq mi)
Population  (31 August, 2021)
• Total	28,215
• Density	1,977.2/km2 (5,121.0/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+09:00 (JST)
City hall address	3-7-12 Hōryūjinishi, Ikaruga-cho, 630-8580
Symbols Bird Japanese Grosbeak Flower Camellia sasanqua Tree Japanese Black Pine

Ikaruga (斑鳩町, Ikaruga-chō) is a small town located in the Ikoma District, Nara area of Japan. It's famous for its very old and important Buddhist temples.

Two of these temples, Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji, are so special that they are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This means they are recognized globally for their cultural importance. Another old temple nearby is Hōrin-ji.

The town of Ikaruga got its name from the palace of a famous historical figure, Prince Shōtoku. His palace, called Ikaruga-no-Miya, was on the same land where Hōryū-ji temple now stands. That's why the temple is sometimes called Ikaruga-dera.

As of August 31, 2021, about 28,215 people live in Ikaruga. These people live in about 11,308 different households. The total size of the town is about 14.27 square kilometers.

The beautiful Tatsuta River The impressive gate to Hōryū-ji temple in Ikaruga Hokki-ji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Exploring Ikaruga's Surroundings

Ikaruga is surrounded by other towns and cities in Nara Prefecture. These nearby places include:

• Ikoma
• Yamatokōriyama
• Sangō
• Heguri
• Ando
• Kawai
• Ōji

Nature and Geography

Ikaruga is home to some lovely natural features.

• The Tatsuta River flows through the area. You can find the Nara Prefectural Tatsuta Park along its banks.
• The Yamato River is another important river in the region.
• Mount Matsuo is a nearby mountain.

Learning in Ikaruga

Ikaruga has several schools for students of different ages.

Elementary Schools

• Ikaruga Elementary School
• Ikarugahigashi Elementary School
• Ikaruganishi Elementary School

Junior High Schools

• Ikaruga Junior High School
• Ikarugaminami Junior High School

High Schools

• Hōryū-ji International High School

Famous Places to Visit

Ikaruga is rich in history and culture, with many interesting sites.

Ancient Temples and Shrines

These are some of the most important historical sites in Ikaruga:

• Hōryū-ji: A very old and famous Buddhist temple.
• Hokki-ji: Another ancient Buddhist temple, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Hōrin-ji: An old temple near Hōryū-ji.
• Chūgū-ji
• Kichiden-ji
• Mimuroyama
• Ikaruga Shrine
• Ryūta Shrine

Kofun (Ancient Burial Mounds)

Kofun are large burial mounds from ancient Japan. Ikaruga has several of these historical sites:

• Fujinoki Kofun: A well-known ancient tomb.
• Kasuga Kofun
• Okanohara Kofun
• Terayama Kofun

Getting Around Ikaruga

You can travel to and within Ikaruga using different transportation methods.

Train Travel

• The West Japan Railway Company operates a train line through Ikaruga.
  • The Kansai Main Line, also known as the Yamatoji Line, has a stop at Hōryūji Station.

Roads for Driving

• Japan National Route 25
• Japan National Route 168