Kofukuji Temple, Nara

In the vicinity of Nara Park, there is a famous temple called Kofukuji Temple, which aligns with Todai-ji Temple.
Kofuku-ji is famous for the Ashura statue, but it was also famous for its powerful monks. In the Kamakura period and the Muromachi period, they were practically the leader of the country. It continued until it gave way to Nobunaga Oda and Hideyoshi Toyotomi.
Kofukuji Temple was originally the Kyoto-based Yamashinadeta Temple, which was originally founded by Fujiwara Kamatari’s wife. It is the “Kofukuji Temple” that Fujihara Muhei moved with the Heijo-kyo capitalization and made it a Uji temple after passing through the “Umayasakadera Temple” of Fujiwara-Kyo.
Kofukuji Temple is one of the 4 great temples in the Nara period and the 7 southern temples in the Heian period. Head Temples of the Hosso-shu sect, a division of the Six Schools of the South Capital.
The Kofukuji Temple was often on fire and was burned down during the Genpei War. The present buildings are all from this time onwards, and many of the Buddha statues are from here onwards. The Nandaimon Gate, Saikon-do Hall, and the auditorium have not been restored since the Edo period fires. It abolished in a movement to abolish Buddhism in the Meiji era and became part of Nara Park as part of Kasuga Taisha. Reconstruction was recognized in 1881 and is now.
It is registered as a world cultural heritage together with Todai-ji Temple.
Kofukuji Temple has no entrance in the precinct itself and can go in and out freely for 24 hours. The National Treasure Hall and Higashi Kondo can be viewed inside, and they require a viewing fee.
In addition, there are times when Hokuen-do, triple towers, Nanen-do, and five-storied towers have special visits, in which case a fee is required.
There are many kinds of “goshuin”, but you can firmly write by hand.

World Heritage Site as part of the cultural heritage of ancient Nara

Kofukuji Temple is one of the temples in Nara Park, which is the Buddhist sect, Hosso-shu sect that prospered during the Nara period. It is the temple representing Nara together with Todaiji Temple, holding numerous temple’s treasure, including the Ashura statue designated as a National Treasure. It was founded as the family temple of the Fujiwara clan, and boasted a tremendous power as a great temple integrated with Kasugataisha Shrine until the Meiji era. Currently it is registered as a World Heritage Site as part of the cultural heritage of ancient Nara.

Designated as a national treasure

The five-storied pagoda is famous as a building symbolizing Nara. It was erected in 730 by the wishes of Empress Komyo (empress Emperor Shomu).
The current tower was rebuilt around 1426, the height is 50.1 meters, and in the five-storied pagoda of wooden it is the height next to the five-storied pagoda of Toji Temple. On the first floor of the pagoda, the statues of Shakyamuni Triad, the statue of Amida Triad, the statue of Maitreya Triad, three statues that comprise the Yakushi Triad are enshrined. Currently it is designated as a national treasure, and the inside can be visited only at special occasions.

There are many excellent items designated as National Treas

The statue of Ashura with three faces and six hands is the most well-known Buddha statue in Kofukuji. In addition to this, there are many excellent items designated as National Treas such as the wooden standing statues of Kongo Rikishi. Those who are interested in Buddhist art are a must-see.

The characteristics of the buildings of the Nara period

Hokuen-do Hall was reconstructed by Prince Nagaya at the order of two empresses, retired Empress Genmei and Empress Gensho, in 721, the first anniversary of the death of Fujiwara no Fuhito. At the time of construction, this place was a prime location over which Heijokyo could look down. The current building was rebuilt around 1210. Although it was built in the Kamakura period, it often retains the characteristics of the buildings of the Nara period.

The combination of historical halls and cherry blossoms and autumn leaves

Nara Park has beauty every season, among which the cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves are exceptional. A lot of tourists come for it. In particular, the combination of historical halls and cherry blossoms and autumn leaves is worth a visit.

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