Kofukuji, founded by the Fujiwara clan and moved to Nara in 710, was once among the most powerful temples in Japan, and its five-story pagoda — at 50 metres the second-tallest wooden pagoda in the country — is an icon of the city, rising beside Sarusawa Pond at the very entrance to Nara Park. Beyond the pagoda and the rebuilt Central Golden Hall, the temple’s greatest treasure is its National Treasure Museum, home to a celebrated collection of ancient Buddhist sculpture including the beloved three-faced, six-armed Ashura statue, one of Japan’s most admired religious artworks.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Nara Park entrance, Nara |
| Hours | Grounds always open; halls ~9:00–17:00 |
| Admission | Grounds free; museum & halls ~¥700 each |
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours |
| Best time | Year-round; pagoda reflected in Sarusawa Pond |
What to See
- The 50-metre five-story pagoda, Nara’s icon.
- The National Treasure Museum and its famous Ashura statue.
- The rebuilt vermilion Central Golden Hall.
- The pagoda reflected in nearby Sarusawa Pond.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Naramachi just south.
- Pair with Todaiji deeper in the park.
- Read our Nara overview .
Getting There
- On foot: 5 minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station, at the park entrance.
- By train: the most central of Nara’s great temples.
Tips
Don’t skip the National Treasure Museum for the pagoda alone — the Ashura statue and the hall of ancient Buddhist sculpture are the real highlight and among the finest in Japan. Kofukuji sits right at the park entrance, so it’s the natural first or last stop; at dusk the pagoda reflected in Sarusawa Pond is one of Nara’s classic photographs.
