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Kofuku-ji Temple, Nara

4.2
#3 of 100 in Historic Sites in Nara
World heritage site · Religious Site · Tourist Spot
Visit Kofuku-ji Temple, one of the “Seven Great Temples of Nara.” Dating back to the 7th century, the temple was destroyed and restored numerous times, and forms part of the World Heritage Site of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara. Roaming the spacious complex, you can admire its historic buildings and pagodas, the remnants of the once vast grounds, which used to contain 175 structures. Step into the Eastern Golden Hall to view the revered image of the “Healing Buddha," or visit the Treasure House to observe an extensive collection of artworks and relics from the former temple buildings. Make Kofuku-ji Temple a centerpiece of your Nara vacation itinerary, and find what else is worth visiting using our Nara attractions planner.
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Tours to Kofuku-ji Temple

FROM $98 BOOK WITH VIATOR The Essence of Nara Cultural Tour: Big Buddha, Bambi and Backstreets
5.0
Duration: 210 to 240 minutes
Tours from $98 »
FROM $945 BOOK WITH VIATOR KYOTO & NARA by Minivan Toyota HIACE 2019 Customize Your Itinerary
4.3
Duration: 8 to 10 hours
Tours from $945 »
FROM $777 BOOK WITH VIATOR Osaka and Nara by Land Rover Discovery Sport 2018 Customize Your Itinerary
Duration: 8 to 10 hours
Tours from $777 »

Kofuku-ji Temple reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.0
1,315 reviews
Google
4.3
TripAdvisor
  • By HarryTours_Official
    The five storied pagoda is a quick walk (10-15min.) distance from the train station and depending on which route you take, probably the first milestone you will encounter in Nara. It could be...  more »
  • By viaggioSensoriale
    Walking through this temple complex is almost like living a Miyazaki story, walking timelessly between free deer and pagodas, just free your mind and enjoy it!  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • By Ian Macdonald
    Oh deer, all the deer. They are kinda like a cross between a deer and a goat. Don't do the crackers, it's just way too touristy and if you don't give them up right away they start to charge you. Also, they aren't the cleanest animals either. The temples were cool and the view of Nara. Definitely have to do it, just don't get head butted by a deer.
  • By Ian Gore
    Drop by the museum up north of it for an explanation of the images inside. I won't spoil all the fun but the main piece is a massive Miroku image surrounded by other figures that you can learn about at the museum and then pay a real visit to!
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