Kohfukuji Temple

Kohfukuji Temple (興福寺) is a Buddhist temple located in Nara City, Japan. The temple was founded in 669 by Kagami no Okimi (later known as Fujiwara no Fuhito) of the powerful Fujiwara clan, initially in Yamashina, Kyoto. It was relocated to Nara in 710 when the capital was moved there.

Kohfukuji Temple is renowned for its impressive architecture, which includes several important buildings designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties. The Central Golden Hall (中金堂), rebuilt in 2018, houses a statue of Yakushi Nyorai (薬師如来), the Buddha of healing. The Eastern Golden Hall (東金堂) enshrines a statue of Yakushi Nyorai as well. The Five-Storied Pagoda (五重塔), one of the tallest wooden pagodas in Japan, stands as a symbol of Nara and is also designated as a National Treasure. The Three-Storied Pagoda (三重塔) and Northern Octagonal Hall (北円堂) are also notable structures within the temple complex.

The temple houses a vast collection of important Buddhist art and artifacts, including statues, paintings, and religious objects. The Kohfukuji National Treasure Museum (国宝館), located within the temple grounds, displays many of these treasures, providing visitors with insights into the temple’s history and the development of Japanese Buddhist art.

Kohfukuji Temple is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.” Visitors can explore the temple’s spacious grounds, admire the impressive architecture, and view the precious artifacts housed in the museum. The temple’s location within Nara Park, close to other historical sites like Todaiji Temple (東大寺) and Kasuga Grand Shrine (春日大社), makes it easily accessible and convenient to visit.

Getting there

By Train

From Kintetsu Nara Station:

• 5-7 minute walk east from the station

By Bus

From JR Nara Station:

• Take the city loop bus for 5 minutes
• Get off at “Kencho-mae” bus stop
• The temple is right there

Walking

• About 20 minutes on foot from JR Nara Station

Details

Hours	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Reception closes at 4:45 PM.
Admission	Kohfukuji National Treasure Hall ・Adults and university students: 700 yen ・Junior high school and high school students: 600 yen ・Elementary school students: 300 yen Eastern Golden Hall ・Adults and university students: 300 yen ・Junior high school and high school students: 200 yen ・Elementary school students: 100 yen Central Golden Hall ・Adults and university students: 500 yen ・Junior high school and high school students: 300 yen ・Elementary school students: 100 yen Combined Ticket (Kohfukuji National Treasure Hall and Eastern Golden Hall) ・Adults and university students: 900 yen ・Junior high school and high school students: 700 yen ・Elementary school students: 350 yen
Phone	Kohfukuji National Treasure Hall +81 742-22-7781 Eastern Golden Hall and Central Golden Hall +81 742-22-7755
Address	48 Noboriojicho, Nara, 630-8213
Official Website	https://www.kohfukuji.com/english/