Kofuku-ji Temple

Kohfuku-ji Temple was established by Fujiwara no Fuhito in 710 when the national capital was moved to Heijokyo. The temple prospered from the Nara Period as the main temple for the Fujiwara Clan and became known as the head temple for Nanto Rokushu (Six Schools of Nara) and the Hosso Sect of Buddhism. Over the centuries, the temple was destroyed multiple times by fire, but each time, the structures were rebuilt in the Nara Period style. The reconstruction of the Central Golden Hall, one of the core structures within the temple complex, was completed in October 2018 for the first time in approximately 300 years, reviving the imposing dignity of the Tempyo Period in the present day. Other structures include the National Treasure Hall containing the Standing Ashura; the Five-Story Pagoda that is approximately 50 meters tall; and the Eastern Golden Hall and Northern Round Hall, which have both been designated as National Treasures. In 1998, the temple was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.

・The Central Golden Hall is a reconstruction of a grand wooden structure, reviving the imposing dignity of the Tempyo Period for the first time in 300 years
The Central Golden Hall was rebuilt for the first time in roughly 300 years since it was destroyed by a fire in 1717. The construction was completed in October 2018.Following the style and scale of the Nara Period, the vast building stands 19 meters tall, with a width of 36 meters and depth of 23 meters, making it one of the largest wooden architectural structures in Japan. A golden Shaka Nyorai sculpture is enshrined within the hall, as well as Hosso Pillar artworks, on which the fourteen founders of the Hosso Sect were drawn using vibrant colors.

・The National Treasure Hall allows visitors to view various Buddhist statues up close
Reopened in January 2018 after renovations, the National Treasure Hall houses the temple's various treasures, such as Buddhist statues and paintings that were collected from each of the buildings within Kohfuku-ji Temple throughout its 1,300 years of history. As the name suggests, the hall exhibits multiple works that are designated as National Treasures. These include the Standing Ashura, Senju Kannon (Thousand-armed Avalokitesvara), Kongo Rikishi (Vajra Warriors), and a bronze Buddha Head, all of which can be viewed up close.

・The Northern Round Hall houses Buddhist sculptures by Unkei
The octagonal Northern Round Hall is located northwest of the temple complex. Rebuilt during the early Kamakura Period, this structure is said to be the most beautiful octagonal hall in Japan. Enshrined inside are standing sculptures of Mujaku (Asanga) Bosatsu and Seshin (Vasubandhu) Bosatsu, created by the Buddhist sculptor Unkei in his twilight years. They are opened to the public in spring and fall. From the eastern side of the Northern Round Hall, visitors can see the Central Golden Hall, Eastern Golden Hall and the Five-Story Pagoda in a row. The reconstruction of the Central Golden Hall has made it possible to see the view from 1,300 years ago.