Kofukuji

奈良県

Fujiwara clan temple and World Heritage Site — the Ashura statue and 50m pagoda are icons of ancient Nara

Founded

710

Type

Temple

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近鉄奈良駅から徒歩5分

奈良県奈良市登大路町48

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Info

Temple

Founded 710

1316 years

Enshrined Deity

釈迦如来

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Buddhist Sect

法相宗

Overview

Kofukuji (UNESCO World Heritage) was the Fujiwara clan temple, relocated to Nara in 710. Its 50.1-meter Five-Story Pagoda is a Nara landmark. The National Treasure Museum, home to the celebrated Ashura figure, is a mecca for Buddhist art lovers. The Chukondo was reconstructed in 2018; the Tokondo (National Treasure) stands amid Nara Park.

Origins

Founded in 669 when Kagami no Okimi, wife of Fujiwara no Kamatari, built Yamashina-dera in Yamashiro province to pray for her husband's recovery. At the relocation of the capital to Heijo in 710, Fujiwara no Fuhito moved the temple to its present site and renamed it Kofuku-ji, consecrating the Centr…

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Divine Benefits

Warding Off Evil

Purification

Rebirth in Pure Land

Averting disaster, directional protection, warding off epidemics. Central at Fudo, Kannon, and Gion-related sites.

Derived from the enshrined deity "釈迦如来"

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Kasuga-taisha, the tutelary shrine of the Fujiwara clan, concentrates Heian aristocratic prayer and syncretic Buddhist-Shinto thought in its vermilion halls. This article unpacks the deer, lanterns, and sacred mountain at the heart of Kasuga faith.

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もっと詳しく · 12

史
Related Historical Events
— 1

710

Transfer of Capital to Nara

In 710, Empress Genmei moved the capital from Fujiwara-kyō to Heijō-kyō (modern Nara), a vast planned city modeled on Tang China's Chang'an. During the Nara period (710-794), the capital flourished as Japan's political, cultural, and religious center. Tōdai-ji, Hōryū-ji, and Kōfuku-ji were built; the Man'yōshū anthology was compiled; and the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki chronicles were compiled. Heijō-kyō was also the eastern terminus of the Silk Road.

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Related Figures
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Fujiwara no Michinaga

Apex of Regency Politics, Poet of the Full Moon

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Kofukuji was the clan temple of the Fujiwara and its fortunes rose and fell with the regency government. Even at the pinnacle of power when Fujiwara no Michinaga composed his famous poem, he maintained deep reverence for Kofukuji and the Kasuga shrine. Under the patronage of the regent family, its five-story pagoda and central hall were developed, and it flourished as the center of Nanto Buddhism.

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Visiting Information

Hours

National Treasure Hall, East Golden Hall, and Central Golden Hall: 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:45). The temple grounds themselves are freely accessible.

Admission

National Treasure Hall ¥900, East Golden Hall ¥500, Central Golden Hall ¥500 (adult). Combined 3-hall ticket ¥1,600. Free to enter the temple grounds.

As of 2026-07-17. Subject to change.

Also Worth Visiting

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Kikoji

Where Gyoki passed away — the 'Trial Great Buddha Hall' prototype for Todaiji, celebrated for summer lotus blossoms

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Todaiji

Emperor Shomu's World Heritage masterpiece — the Great Buddha and the world's largest wooden hall

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Tamukeyama Hachimangu