Kofukuji Temple, Nara, Japan

Known for its stunning five-story pagoda, Kofukuji Temple is one of the oldest and among the most famous Buddhist temples in Japan. It was the family temple of the powerful Fujiwara clan.

Kofukji used to be one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara. Today it is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located in the western part of Nara Park, Kofukuji Temple is a must-visit for lovers of history, culture, and architecture.

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History of Kofukuji Temple

The Kofukuji Temple in Nara has its origin all the way back in the year 669, when Kagami no Ōkimi , the wife of Fujiwara no Kamatari, established a Buddhist shrine in present-day Kyoto for her husband’s recovery from illness. The temple, then called Umayasakadera, was later moved to Nara.

During the rule of Kamatari’s son, Fujiwara no Fuhito, the temple was given its current name of Kofukuji.

As time passed, during the Nara and Heian periods, Kofukuji Temple grew in importance and the complex was considerably expanded.

But in the 15th century, a period of decline set in, and the temple buildings were damaged by civil wars and natural calamities. In 1717, a massive fire destroyed much of the complex.

Some, but not all, of the buildings have since been reconstructed, and restoration efforts continue at the complex.

Kofukuji Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Japan, and used to be one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara. Today it is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Things to Do at Kofukuji Temple

Admire the Buddha of Medicine inside Tō-kondō

The East Golden Hall at Kofukuji, Tō-kondō, houses a wealth of historic statues, including one of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Medicine.

The current gold-toned statue is made of a copper alloy. The head of an older image dating back to the year 685 is displayed in the National Treasure Hall.

Also admire the statues of the Twelve Heavenly Generals, that are said to protect the faithful from illness and harm, and the copper alloy statues of Bodhisattvas Nikkō and Gakkō.

Visit the Central Golden Hall

The original Central Golden Hall was completed in the year 714 under the patronage of Fujiwara no Fuhito. The current structure is new, consecrated in October 2018.

The term “golden hall” refers to a building that houses an image (or images) of Buddha. Statues are usually gilded and glow gold in the soft light inside temples.

The Central Golden Hall contains an image of Shaka Nyorai, along with several other images.

Snap Photos of the Pagodas

The Kofukuji complex is home to not one but two stunning pagodas: a three-story pagoda and a five-story pagoda.

You can’t enter either one or climb up to the top, but you can admire them from outside and snap photos of them.

The five-story pagoda, originally built in 730, has been burned down and rebuilt several times, with the current pagoda dating back to the 15th century.

The three-story pagoda is not the original one either, but it dates back to the year 1181, making it one of the oldest structures in the complex.

Admire the Northern Round Hall

The Northern Round Hall dates back to the year 1210 and is one of the oldest structures in the Kofukuji complex.

The temple, and some of the sculptures inside, are designated a National Treasure, and while you can’t typically enter the structure, you can admire it from the grounds.

Some of the images inside are the work of Unkei, considered the most famous Buddhist sculptor in Japan.

Stroll the Grounds and See Other Structures

Walking the grounds of the Kofukuji complex gives you a sense for its significance in Japanese history.

The complex used to have more buildings: not all were reconstructed following damage or destruction.

Sarusawa pond offers the chance to get photos with reflections of Kofukuji’s five-story pagoda!

How to Get to Kofuku-ji Temple in Nara, Japan

The Kofukuji Temple is located on the western side of Nara Park.

Once you arrive at the JR Nara Station, it is about a 15-minute walk (950 m or 0.59 mile) eastward along Sanjōdōri Street. See map.

You can also catch the bus (City Loop Bus #2) and get off at the Kenchōmae stop.

If you start at the Kintetsu-Nara Station, it is about a 5-minute walk to Kofukuji Temple. See map.

Kofuku-ji Temple Opening Hours

The National Treasure Hall, the Eastern Golden Hall, and the Central Golden Hall at the Kofukuji Temple are open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., with last admission at 4.45 p.m.

Kofukuji Temple Entrance Fee

Kofukuji Temple has an entrance fee for the National Treasure Hall, the Eastern Golden Hall, and the Central Golden Hall.

A combined ticket for the three halls costs 1,600 Japanese yen (USD 10.88) for adults and university students, 1,100 yen (USD 7.48) for junior high and high school students, and 600 yen (USD 4.08) for primary school students.

The admission fee to just the National Treasure Hall for adults and university students is 900 Japanese yen (about USD 6.12). High school and middle school students pay 800 Japanese yen per student (about USD 5.44), and elementary school students are charged 500 yen per student (about USD 3.40).

Kofukuji also charges admission to enter the Eastern Golden Hall and the Central Golden Hall.

The admission fee to each of the Eastern Golden Hall and the Central Golden Hall for adults and university students is 500 Japanese yen (about USD 3.40). High school and middle school students pay 300 Japanese yen per student (about USD 2.04), and elementary school students are charged 200 yen per student (about USD 1.36).

Planning a trip? Visit our Nara Park website for the complete rundown on every single detail!

And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Japan, check out some of the top things to do in Japan, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!

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