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Kofuku-ji Temple
奈良市登大路町４８
A temple located in Nara City, serving as the head temple of the Hosso sect. It flourished from the Nara period through the Heian and Kamakura periods as the clan temple of the Fujiwara family. Its origins are traced to the Yama-no-in Temple, established in 669 CE (Tenji 8) by Kyoukai, wife of Fujiwara no Kamatari, at Yamashina (present-day Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City) to pray for Kamatari's recovery. In 710 CE (Wado 3), coinciding with the relocation of the capital to Heijo-kyo, Fujiwara no Fuhito moved the temple to its current site and renamed it 'Kofuku-ji'. The principal image is the Shaka Nyorai enshrined in the Chokondo (Central Golden Hall). The five-story pagoda, standing 50.1 meters tall, is the second-tallest wooden pagoda in Japan after the one at To-ji Temple and is designated as a National Treasure. The temple houses numerous National Treasure-class Buddhist statues, including the famous six-armed Asura statue (National Treasure, part of the Dry-Lacquer Standing Eight Deities group). It is registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site under 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara'.
History
As the head temple of the Hosso sect and the clan temple of the Fujiwara family, it is a World Heritage Site. It is renowned for its National Treasure five-story pagoda and a collection of Buddhist statues, including the Asura statue.
Blessings
It is worshipped for the benefit of fulfilling one's heartfelt wishes.
What visitors say
Located within Nara Park, it is easily accessible on foot from Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The National Treasure Museum displays Buddhist statues such as the Asura statue, while architectural structures like the Chokondo and Tokaido are beautifully maintained. Deer often visit the precincts, and the vast grounds exude a solemn atmosphere.
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday: 9:00 – 17:00
- Wednesday: 9:00 – 17:00
- Thursday: 9:00 – 17:00
- Friday: 9:00 – 17:00
- Saturday: 9:00 – 17:00
- Sunday: 9:00 – 17:00
Annual events & festivals
- Around February 3Tsui-na-e (Oni-oi-shiki / Demon-Driving Rite)
A Setsubun demon-driving rite in which Bishamonten (Vaisravana) defeats demons.
A Setsubun ritual held in the Tojin-do hall on February 3. It is known for the 'Oni-oi-shiki' (Demon-Driving Rite), where Bishamonten (Vaisravana) defeats demons holding torches, and for bean-throwing.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Demon-Driving Rite
- ・Bishamonten defeating demons
- ・Bean-throwing
- May, 3rd Friday and SaturdayMaki On (Fire Noh Performance)
In May, one of the oldest surviving Fire Noh performances is offered as a dedicatory offering.
Held on the 3rd Friday and Saturday of May at the site of the former South Gate of Kofuku-ji and at Kasuga Grand Shrine. This is one of the oldest surviving Fire Noh performances. Ethereal Noh and Kyogen are performed as dedicatory offerings under the light of burning logs at dusk.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・One of the oldest surviving Fire Noh performances
- ・Noh performed under the light of burning logs
- ・Early summer scenery in the ancient capital of Nara
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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