Nara's World Heritage Site: Kōfuku-ji Temple

Kōfuku-ji Temple, a registered World Heritage Site, is filled with attractions such as the Five-Story Pagoda and the National Treasure Ashura Statue. The South Octagonal Hall, with its striking vermilion color, is one of Japan's largest wooden octagonal halls. The origins of Kōfuku-ji trace back to Yamashina Temple, established at the private residence of Fujiwara no Kamatari in Kyoto's Yamashina district. After moving through Asuka, the temple was relocated to its current site in 710 (Wadō 3) during the relocation of the capital to Heijō-kyō. Renamed Kōfuku-ji, it flourished as the clan temple of the Fujiwara family, becoming one of the Four Great Temples of the early Nara period. At its peak, the temple complex spanned four town blocks and housed over 170 buildings. However, the temple suffered significant damage during the burning of Nara by Taira no Shigehira in 1180 (Jishō 4). It was later restored during the Kamakura period but lost the western half of its temple complex in a fire in 1717 (Kyōhō 2). The temple grounds feature numerous important structures, including the Central Golden Hall (rebuilt in 2018), the Five-Story Pagoda (rebuilt during the Muromachi period and designated a National Treasure), the North Octagonal Hall (rebuilt during the Kamakura period and also a National Treasure), the South Octagonal Hall (rebuilt during the Edo period and designated an Important Cultural Property), and the National Treasure Museum. Kōfuku-ji serves as the head temple of the Hossō sect of Buddhism and houses 15% of Japan's National Treasure Buddhist statues. Among the treasures in the National Treasure Museum, the Ashura Statue is the most famous and beloved. Known as the "idol of the Buddhist statue world," its beautiful expression and form captivate many visitors. The statue depicts a youthful figure with three faces and six arms, each face displaying subtly different expressions. The Five-Story Pagoda is currently undergoing a major preservation and repair project, the first in 120 years since the Meiji era, and is not accessible for viewing. Originally commissioned by Empress Kōmyō in 730 (Tenpyō 2), the pagoda has been rebuilt five times due to damage from lightning, warfare, and fires. The current structure dates back to 1426 (Ōei 33). Standing at 50.937 meters, it is the tallest building in Nara Prefecture. Hossō Sect Head Temple Kōfuku-ji Address: 48 Noborioji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8213