Kofukuji Temple was moved to its current location in Nara from Kyoto in 710. The year when the capital was moved to Nara, it was the main temple of the Fujiwara family. Although the original complex had 175 buildings, fires and the ravages of power struggles have meant that only a dozen have survived. There are two pagodas, one three-story, and one five-story, dating from 1143 and 1426, respectively. The tallest of these is the second tallest pagoda in Japan, beaten by only a few inches by Toji’s pagoda in Kyoto.

The National Treasure Museum located in the precinct is also worth a visit when you are in the area. The museum was built to house precious works of art that belonged to the Kofukuji throughout a history that dates back more than 1400 years. One of the most famous works exhibited here is the stature of Ashura who has 3 faces and 6 arms.

A Personal Impression

I had seen pictures of Kofukuji’s five-story pagoda before, but standing in front of it felt completely different. It was taller than I expected, and the way it stood so quietly among the modern city made it feel almost surreal.
The highlight for me was the National Treasure Museum. I’d heard about the statue of Ashura, but seeing it up close was surprisingly moving. The expression on its three faces was more detailed and delicate than I imagined.
If you’re visiting Nara, I think it’s worth slowing down here—not just for the temple buildings, but to really take in the statues and history preserved inside. It made me think more about how art and faith have been connected in Japan for centuries.

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Information

Access:Kintetsu-Nara or JR-Nara station, or Kofukuji bus stop
Entrance fee:It is free to walk in the precinct, but you need to buy tickets to enter Tokondo, Chukondo, and National Treasure Museum.
Hours:Tokondo, Chukondo, and Museum: From 9 am to  5 pm (last entry 4.45 pm)