[How to visit] Kofuku-ji Temple in Nara

This time, we will introduce how to tour Kofuku-ji Temple, which takes about two hours. Kofuku-ji Temple is a cultural treasure trove that combines history and art. We recommend that you visit in person to feel the atmosphere and see it with your own eyes.

[Tour order] ①Five-storied pagoda ➡︎ ②Toukondou ➡︎ ③Chuukondou ➡︎ ④Nanendou ➡︎ ⑤National treasure museum

1. POINT「Goshuin」
2. POINT「Early morning worship」
3. POINT「Learn a little about the history of Kofuku-ji Temple」
4. POINT「Araike Pond changes with the seasons」

①Five-storied pagoda

The five-story pagoda, approximately 50 meters tall, is a symbolic building of Kofuku-ji Temple and is designated a National Treasure. The current pagoda was rebuilt in 1426 and still retains the distinctive features of Tenpyo culture. Inside are enshrined statues of the Yakushi Triad and the Shaka Triad.

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②Toukondou

The Tokondo Hall was built in 726 by Emperor Shomu as a prayer for recovery from illness. It is designated a national treasure and houses statues of Yakushi Nyorai and the Four Heavenly Kings. The current building was rebuilt in 1415.

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③Chuukondou

This is the central building of Kofuku-ji Temple, and houses the seated statue of Shaka Nyorai as the principal image, as well as statues of the Four Heavenly Kings and Kisshoten. The Chukondo is also the spiritual center of Kofuku-ji Temple, and is characterized by its magnificent structure. Depending on the season, night viewing is available, and the mysterious atmosphere of the Chukondo at night is a spectacular sight.

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④Nanendou

The South Round Hall is a beautiful vermilion octagonal hall built in 813. It houses a seated statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, and is crowded with worshippers on special opening days.

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⑤National treasure museum

The Kofuku-ji Temple National Treasure Museum houses many important Buddhist statues. Kofuku-ji Temple is a historic temple dating back to the Nara period, and is known for possessing the largest number of national treasure Buddhist statues in Japan. Among these, you can see many national treasures and important cultural properties, including the Ashura statue, one of the Eight Guardian Deities, which is by far the most popular.

【POINT１】

To double the fun of visiting each hall of Kofuku-ji Temple, collect “Goshuin” stamps! There are some very cool Goshuin stamps for each hall. In addition, the shop next to the Chukon-do Hall also sells limited edition “Goshuin books,” so be sure to get one that suits your taste!

【POINT２】

We recommend visiting early in the morning! The atmosphere of the tranquil grounds illuminated by the morning sun is wonderful. It’s sure to soothe your soul.

【POINT３】

Before you visit, be sure to familiarize yourself with the history of Kofuku-ji Temple! The temple’s origins date back to 669, when it was founded as Yamashina-dera Temple, which was built by Princess Kagami, wife of Fujiwara Kamatari, in prayer for recovery from illness. When the capital was moved to Heijo in 710, Fujiwara no Fuhito moved it to its current location and renamed it “Kofuku-ji Temple.” As the family temple of the Fujiwara clan, Kofuku-ji Temple wielded great influence from the Nara period through the Heian period, but many of its buildings were lost to repeated fires and wars.

【POINT4】

The beautiful scenery of Araike Pond changes with the seasons. Please stop by for a break when touring Kofuku-ji Temple.