Kōfuku-ji, founded in 669 AD and relocated to Nara in 710, is one of Japan’s oldest and most influential Buddhist temples. Serving as the family temple of the Fujiwara Clan, the most powerful aristocratic family of ancient Japan, Kōfuku-ji played a central role in shaping Buddhist culture and political life during the Nara Period. It is also the head temple of the Hosso School (法相宗), one of the earliest Buddhist sects introduced to Japan.

At its height_, the temple complex included over 150 buildings. Although many were lost to fires and political shifts, numerous important structures survive today, reflecting the sophistication of classical Japanese Buddhist architecture.

Among its iconic landmarks is the Five-Story Pagoda, standing 50 meters high as the second tallest of its kind in Japan, rebuilt in 1426. The elegant Three-Story Pagoda, built in 1143, showcases refined wooden craftsmanship from the late Heian Period.

The Central Golden Hall, rebuilt in 2018 after being absent for more than 300 years, recreates the grandeur of the original main hall from the Nara era. Equally significant is the East Golden Hall, built in 1415, which has survived multiple fires and now enshrines Yakushi Nyorai, the revered Buddha of Medicine.

One of the temple’s greatest treasures is the National Treasure Museum, home to the celebrated Ashura Statue, a 1,300-year-old masterpiece known for its three faces, six arms, and remarkably expressive craftsmanship. This sculpture is considered one of Japan’s finest examples of Buddhist art.

Located within Nara Park, Kōfuku-ji offers a serene environment where ancient architecture blends harmoniously with nature. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful scenery alongside the famous Nara deer, which roam freely around the temple grounds, adding a lively and memorable touch to the historical ambiance.