Kofukuji Temple

Kofukuji Temple complex is a World Heritage Listed Buddhist temple in Nara and an excellent example of a Japanese Temple. Kofukuji Temple features many significant buildings including two pagodas. Kofukuji Temple is an impressive complex of buildings, many of which are National Treasures. In 1998 Kofukuji Temple was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara” listing. Kofukuji Temple is the headquarters of the Hosso school in Japan. Tokondo (East Golden Hall) and Five Story Pagoda Kofukuji Temple Kofukuji Temple was first established in 669AD when Kagami-no-Okimi established a temple on his family’s estate in Yamashina Suehara (now part of the Kyoto Prefecture) to pray for the recovery from illness of the statesman Fujiwara-no-Kamatari. Not long after Kofukuji Temple was moved to Umayasaka (Nara Prefecture), and named Umayasaka-dera. In 710 Nara was established as the capital of Japan and Kofukuji Temple was moved to its current site with its name changing to its current one. Kofukuji Temple was the first temple to be moved to Nara and with its central location it grew in power and wealth. Tokondo - The Eastern Golden Hall The Eastern Golden Hall is one of three “Golden Halls” at Kohfukuji Temple, which named according to their location within the temple complex. The original Eastern Golden Hall (Tokondo) was built in 726 for Emperor Shomu who wished to aid the recovery of Empress Gensho from illness. The current Eastern Golden Hall building was completed in 1415. The hall contains several Important Cultural Properties: Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru, the main alter piece), Nikko Bosatsu (Suryaprabha) and Gakko Bosatsu (Candraprabha) plus several National Tresures: Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri), Yuima Koji (Layman Vimalakirti), Shi Tenno (Four Deva Kings) and Juni Shinsho (Twelve Heavenly Generals). Open: Open daily all year, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: Adults 300 Yen Gojyu-no-to - Five Storied Pagoda Kofukuji Temple The original Five Storied Pagoda was completed in 725 at the request of Empress Komyo. The current building is a restoration which was completed in 1426. At 50.1m high it is the second highest pagoda in Japan. The Five Storied Pagoda enshrines four key items around the central pillar on the first floor: Yakushi triad (eastern side), Shaka triad (southern side), Amida triad (western side) and Miroku triad (northern side). Hoku’endo - Northern Octagonal Hall Kofukuji Temple The original Northern Octagonal Hall was completed in 721 at the request of Empress Genmeiand to mark the first year since the death of Fujiwara Fuhito. The current building is a reconstruction completed around 1210. The Northern Octagonal Hall houses several National Tresures created by renown Kamakura period sculptor Unkei: Miroku Nyorai (Maitreya - main alter image), Bodhisattvas Mujaku (Asanga), Seshin (Vasubandhu) and the Shi Tenno (Four Deva Kings). Nan’endo - Southern Octagonal Hall Kofukuji Temple Nan’endo - Southern Octagonal Hall is the nineth temple on the West Japan Thirty Three Temple Pilgrimage Route. The original hall was completed in 813 at the request of Fujiwara-no-Fuyutsugu. The current building was reconstructed in 1789. The hall enshrines several National Treasures: Fukukensaku Kannon (Amoghapasa-avalokitesvara,“Avalokitesvara of the Unfailing Fishing Line” - the main alter piece), statues of the six patriarchs of the Hosso school and the Shi Tenno ( Four Deva Kings). Picture: Inside Nan’endo - Southern Octagonal Hall Kofukuji Temple Sanjyu-no-to Three Story Pagoda Kofukuji Temple The original Three Story Pagoda (Sanjyu-no-to) was built in 1143 at the request of the consort of Emperor Sutoku. The current building, which is a National Tresure, is a reconstruction completed in the Kamakura Period. The first story houses four paintings directly on wood which each depict 1,000 images of: Yakushi Nyorai (east), Shaka Nyorai (south), Amida Nyorai (west), and Miroku (north). The Kofukuji Temple National Treasure Museum The museum was built in 1959 to house National Tresures and Important Cultural Properties including various artworks (statues, paintings and craft works), plus historical documents and books. The collection includes the sculptures of a standing Asura and the head of Yakushi Nyorai. Open: daily all year, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: 600 Yen or a combination ticket with the Eastern Golden Hall for 800 Yen. Kofukuji Temple Transport 7 minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara station 12 minutes walk from JR Nara station |