Hall Of Dreams

Horyuji Temple
Ikaruga, Japan

The Yumedono, or Hall Of Dreams (739), is so called because it stands on the site of Prince Shotoku's study, where according to legend, a golden Buddha would appear in his dreams to interpret the sutras. Yumedono is an octagonal hall – the oldest one in Japan – and houses a Guze Kannon. It is located in the East Precinct of Horyuji (map).

Schoolchildren such as these, on class outings to visit cultural landmarks, are seen everywhere in Japan.