Kofukuji Temple

Kofuku-ji Temple began when the wife of Fujiwara no Kamatari founded a temple, which Fujiwara no Fuhito moved to its present location in 710 with the relocation of the capital to Heijo-kyo. The five-story pagoda, rebuilt around 1426 and about 50 meters tall, is said to be the second-highest pre-Edo-period pagoda in Japan (the tallest is To-ji in Kyoto). In the National Treasure Museum—whose exterior recreates the look of the Nara-period dining hall (jikido)—you can see invaluable Buddhist statues such as the Asura statue with three faces and six arms, a bronze Buddha head from the Asuka period (Hakuho era), and the standing Senju Kannon that was once the principal image of the old dining hall. In 2018, the Chukondo was rebuilt for the first time in about 300 years in the original style; due to its massive scale, domestic timber could not be secured, and zelkova from Cameroon (along with Canadian hinoki) was procured over 20 years to complete it. Inside are enshrined the principal seated Shaka Nyorai and the Four Heavenly Kings moved from the Nanendo. One pillar is painted as a Hosso-bashira depicting 14 eminent monks of the Hosso school, to which Kofuku-ji belongs. The Tokondo, rebuilt in 1415 with much of its original atmosphere, enshrines 18 National Treasure Buddhist images. After visiting, you might rest on the benches by Sarusawa Pond and take a photo of the five-story pagoda across the water.