Kofuku-ji
Kofuku-ji was once one of the most powerful temples in Japan, closely tied to the Fujiwara clan, and though many of its original buildings were lost over the centuries to fire, its five-story pagoda — a rebuilt version of the original, still one of Japan's tallest wooden pagodas — remains a defining feature of Nara's skyline. The temple's National Treasure Museum houses an outstanding collection of Buddhist sculpture, including the famous Ashura statue, a rare and highly expressive three-faced, six-armed figure.
Being right at the edge of Nara Park and close to the station, it's usually the first stop for visitors arriving in the area, easily combined with a walk into the park toward Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha.
Kofuku-ji FAQs
No, it has been rebuilt several times after fires; the current structure dates to the 15th century but remains one of Japan's tallest wooden pagodas.
A renowned dry-lacquer Buddhist sculpture with three faces and six arms, housed in Kofuku-ji's National Treasure Museum and considered one of Japan's most significant works of Buddhist art.
The outer grounds are free; the National Treasure Museum and some inner halls charge separate paid admission.
Very — it's about a 5 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, right at the edge of Nara Park.
About 1 hour including the museum.
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