Kofuku-ji
The Kofuku-ji Temple Complex is located between Kintetsu Nara Station and Nara Park. You can enter the complex from any direction as the complex is no
longer enclosed. However, the traditional entrance to temples in Japan is from the south. Although, the Nandaimon (Great Southern Gate) of Kofuku-ji no
longer exisits, you will know that you are close to the ancient entrance when you are near the five story Pagoda that dominates the complex.
Kofuku-ji temple was one of Japan's great temples in the eighth century. It was founded in 669 by a member of the Fujiwara clan to pray for the clan
leader to recover from illness. It was originally built in Kyoto, but was moved to its present location when Nara became the capital in the year 710.
For a while it prospered, but when the Fujiwaras' power began to fade in the twelfth century, the temple lost its influential patrons. Now only a few
buildings remain of the original 175 buildings from that period. During its prosperity, it was one of the "Four Great Temples" of the Nara period (710-794),
and one of the "Seven Great Temples" of the Heian period (794-1185). Today Kofuku-ji is one of the head temples of the Hosso ("mind only") sect of
Buddhism.
In the Nara period, the pagoda was the most important structure in the temple complex as it held the relics
(such as a bone or tooth) of a Buddha. There are two pagodas in the Kofuku-ji complex. They are located on either side of the site of the Great Southern Gate;
the Three Storied Pagoda to the west and the Five Storied Pagoda to the east. The Goju-no-to (Five Storied Pagoda) was built in 725 by the Empress
Komyoh,
and the current structure was restored in 1426. It is one of the symbols of Nara and is the second highest pagoda in Japan with a height of 50.1 metters.
The pagoda currently houses four Buddha triads
(Buddha and two attendants). The triads are enshrined around the central pillar: Yakushi (Healing Buddha) triad to the east; Shaka (Historical Buddha) triad
to the south; Amida (Buddha of the Western Paradise and Infinite Life) triad to the west; and Miroku (Buddha of the Future) triad to the north.
The Sanju-no-to (Three Storied Pagogoda) was built in 1143 by Emporer Shotoku. The present building is also a reconstructin from the beginning of the
Kamakura period(1185-1333). This pagoda holds four paintings on wood which depict 1000 images of each of the same Buddhas enshrined in the Five
Storied Pagoda (Yakushi Nyorai (Buddha), Shaka Nyorai, Amida Nyorai and Miroku Nyorai).
The main attraction at Kofuku-ji, however is the first-rate collection of Buddhist statues on display in the Tokon-do (Eastern Golden Hall).
The current hall is a reconsturction dating from the fifteenth century and is situated north of the Five-Story Pagoda. The Tokon-do was originally built to speed the recovery
of the ailing Empress Gensho, and therefore this building is dominated by a large image of Yakushi Nyorai (Buddha of Healing).
The Buddha is flanked by Shi Tenno (Four Heavenly Kings) and Juni Shinsho (Twelve Heavenly Generals). Also enshrined here are three Bosatsu
(Buddhas who have delayed entry into Nirvana to help others): Nikko (Bosatsu of the Sun), Gakko (Bosatsu of the Moon) and Monju (Bosatsu
of Wisdom). Perhaps the most interesting statue is that of the seated figure of Yuima Koji, to the left of Yakushi Nyorai. The portrait, which depicts an
ordinary mortal, instead of a heavenly diety, is beautifully realistic. This building is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm.
In addition to the Tokon-do, there were two other Golden Halls in the temple. The Chukon-do (Central Golden Hall) was built in 714 by the Fujiwara clan.
The present structure dates from 1811 but is currently under renovation due to heavy rain damage. The statues that were housed in the Chukon-do
have been moved to the Karikon-do (Temporary Golden Hall) immediatley to the north. Among the images on display are the main alter piece with
the image of Sakyamuni Buddha, as well as the Yakuoh (Medicine King), the Bhaisajyasamudgata Bosatsu, and the Shi Tenno (Four Deva Kings).
Unfortunatley there is nothing left of the Saikon-do (Western Golden Hall), only the site remains.
The Kokuhonkan (Kofuku-ji's National Treasure House) is located just north of the Tokon-do. It houses early Buddhist statues, the most famous figure being
that of Ashura, one of Buddha's eight
protectors. Ashura is easily recognizable by it's three red-tinted heads and it's six spindly arms. Also worth looking for is Ashura's companion, Karura (Garuda)
with his beaked head. Although all of the statues are not on display at the same time, the eight protectors are considered to be the finest dry-laquer images
of the Nara Period.
Dating from an even earlier period is the bronze Buddha head, which, save for a crumpled left ear, is in exceptionally good condition.
The original, complete statue was stolen from another temple by Kofuku-ji's warrior monks sometime during the Heian Period (794-1185). The body was
destroyed in a fire, after which the head was buried underneath the replacement Buddha. In 1937, it was rediscovered during a renovation of the building.
The Kokuhokan also houses paintings, books, craftworks and historical documents and has a special exhibition which is changed three times a year.
There is an entrance fee: children 150 yen, junior and high school students 400 yen, adults and university students 500 yen. The building is open daily
from 9am to 5pm.
There are two octagonal structures in the complex, the Hokuendo (Northern Octagonal Hall) and the Nanendo (Southern Octagonal Hall). The Hokuendo
was built in 721 by the Empress Gemmei and the Emperor Gensho in honor of the first anniversary of the death of Fujiwara Fuhito. The original building
was reconstructed in 1210 and the current building dates from this time. The National treasures on display in this building include the main alter image of
Miroku Nyorai (Buddha of the Future) with two Bosatsu Muchaku and Seshin, and the Shi Tenno (Four Deva Kings). The Hokuendo is only open to the
public during special viewing periods in the spring and the fall (the dates vary so you should make inquires in advance).
The Nanendo is significant because it is temple number nine of the West Japan thirty-three temple pilgrimage route. The temple was first contsructed
in 813 by Fujiwara-no-Fuyutsugu. The present structure is a recontruction dating from 1789. The Nanendo enshrines the main altar piece of Fukukensaku
Kannon, the bosatsu of the "Unfailing Fishing Line" (this particular bosatsu uses a fishing net or line to catch and help people who are
suffering). Also enshrined are six patriarchs of the Hosso school (remember that Kofuku-ji
is a head temple of this sect of Buddhism), and the Shi Tenno (Four Deva Kings). The Nanendo is open to the publc only once a year on October 17.
How to get to Kofuku-ji
Kofukuji is near Nara Park on Sanjo Dori. It is an easy 5 or 10 minute walk east from either train station.
Tours - The Japan Discovery Tours visits Kofukuji Temple
Click here for more information regarding when Discovery visits this destination.
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Opening hours, prices, booking procedures, schedules etc are subject to changes beyond our control. This site is just a guide, and we advise that you always check and confirm in advance. Suggestions, additions and correction of errors are always welcome. Please contact us.
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