A Detailed Overview of Kofuku-ji Temple’s History

 

　Table of Contents

1. Overview of Kofuku-ji Temple
   
2. History of Kofuku-ji Temple
   
3. Highlights of Kofuku-ji Temple
   

Introduction

Located in the heart of Nara City, Kofuku-ji Temple has played an extremely important role in the history of Japanese Buddhism. Since its founding, it flourished as the family temple of the powerful Fujiwara clan and houses numerous national treasures and important cultural assets. With a history spanning over 1,300 years, Kofuku-ji is one of Japan’s most renowned temples.

In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of Kofuku-ji, its long history, and the must-see highlights for visitors. Experience the depth of history and the beauty of its cultural treasures, and discover the timeless charm of Kofuku-ji Temple.

1. Overview of Kofuku-ji Temple 

Kofuku-ji Temple, located in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, is the head temple of the Hosso school of Buddhism and one of the most important temples in the history of Japanese Buddhism. Its origins trace back to 669 AD (the 8th year of Emperor Tenji’s reign) when Lady Kagami, the wife of Fujiwara no Kamatari, founded Yamashina Temple in the Yamashina area, praying for her husband’s recovery from illness.

Later, in 710 AD (the 3rd year of the Wado era), the temple was relocated to its current site in Nara following the transfer of the capital to Heijo-kyo and was renamed Kofuku-ji. As the family temple of the influential Fujiwara clan, Kofuku-ji played a significant role in Nara, the political and cultural heart of the nation, and flourished as one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara.

Though many of its buildings were lost to wars and fires over the centuries, Kofuku-ji still houses numerous national treasures and important cultural properties. Notably, its Five-Story Pagoda, rebuilt in 1426 (the 33rd year of the Oei era), stands 50.1 meters tall, making it the second tallest wooden pagoda in Japan and a symbolic landmark of Nara.

The Eastern Golden Hall (To-kondo) enshrines precious Buddhist statues, including the seated statue of Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha), statues of the Sunlight and Moonlight Bodhisattvas, and statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, all of which are designated as national treasures. Additionally, the National Treasure Hall displays a wealth of cultural assets, including the renowned Asura statue, a masterpiece of Nara period sculpture, which attracts numerous worshippers and tourists alike.

Kofuku-ji is closely tied to the rise of the Fujiwara clan and significantly contributed to the political and cultural development from the Nara to Heian periods. As the central temple of the Hosso school, it became a hub for academic and Buddhist studies, producing many notable monks over the centuries. In 1998 (the 10th year of the Heisei era), Kofuku-ji was registered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara," gaining worldwide recognition for its historical and cultural significance.

Situated within Nara Park, Kofuku-ji is in close proximity to other famous historical sites, such as Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Visitors can often see deer freely roaming the grounds, adding to the charm of ancient Nara’s atmosphere. The temple is easily accessible, being a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station and a 15-minute walk from JR Nara Station, making it a convenient destination for tourists.

2. History of Kofuku-ji Temple 

Kofuku-ji Temple is a historical temple located in the ancient capital of Nara, with origins dating back to the Nara period. Below is a summary of the key events in the history of Kofuku-ji, based on accurate information.

　1. Foundation and Prosperity in the Nara Period (669–794)

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The origins of Kofuku-ji date back to 669 AD (the 8th year of Emperor Tenji’s reign), when Lady Kagami, the wife of Fujiwara no Kamatari, founded Yamashina-dera Temple in Yamashina (present-day Yamashina, Kyoto) to pray for her husband’s recovery from illness. In 710 AD (the 3rd year of the Wado era), Fujiwara no Fuhito moved the temple to its current location in Nara following the transfer of the capital to Heijo-kyo and renamed it Kofuku-ji.

As the family temple of the powerful Fujiwara clan, Kofuku-ji flourished as one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara, playing a central role in the state’s religious and cultural life. Many halls and pagodas were constructed during this time, establishing the temple as a major center of Buddhist culture.

　2. Development from the Heian to Kamakura Periods (794–1333)

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During the Heian and Kamakura periods, Kofuku-ji solidified its position as the headquarters of the Hosso school of Buddhism, expanding its religious and political influence. As the Fujiwara clan’s power grew, the temple’s prestige also increased.

In the Kamakura period, cultural activities flourished, and renowned Buddhist sculptures, such as the "Asura Statue" and the "Eight Attendant Deities," were created. These masterpieces are regarded as some of the finest examples of Buddhist art from the Nara to Kamakura periods.

　3. Wars and Rebuilding (1333–1603)

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During the Nanboku-cho (Northern and Southern Courts) and Sengoku (Warring States) periods, Kofuku-ji suffered repeated damage from nationwide conflicts. In 1352 (the 3rd year of the Kannō era), Southern Court forces attacked Nara, burning down Kofuku-ji’s main buildings. This event, known as the "Kannō Disturbance," caused significant damage to both Kofuku-ji and the entire city of Nara. The temple experienced several cycles of destruction and rebuilding in the years that followed.

The Onin War, which began in 1467 (the 1st year of the Onin era), lasted 11 years and centered on Kyoto, but its effects reached Nara, impacting Kofuku-ji. The temple also faced economic hardship and loss of influence as powerful warlords emerged during the Sengoku period. In 1567 (the 10th year of the Eiroku era), Kofuku-ji was burned down again when Matsunaga Hisahide captured Yamato Province. Many of the temple’s buildings and cultural treasures were lost during this time.

In the Azuchi-Momoyama period, under Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s rule, efforts were made to rebuild Japan’s temples and shrines, including Kofuku-ji. Permission to rebuild the Five-Story Pagoda was granted in 1595 (the 4th year of the Bunroku era). However, despite these efforts, Kofuku-ji did not fully recover, and many structures were left unreconstructed due to the lasting effects of the wars.

　4. Stability and Cultural Revival in the Edo Period (1603–1868)

During the Edo period, Japan entered a long era of peace under the stable rule of the Tokugawa shogunate. This allowed Kofuku-ji to experience a revival. Donations from the shogunate, various daimyo, and the general public helped rebuild and restore many of the temple’s lost buildings. Major structures like the Five-Story Pagoda (the current version rebuilt in 1426), the Eastern Golden Hall, and the Northern Octagonal Hall were restored, reviving the grandeur of the temple.

Kofuku-ji also became a center of academic and cultural activities during this time. The study of Hosso doctrine flourished, and many distinguished monks emerged. Artistic endeavors such as painting, sculpture, and calligraphy also thrived, producing many valuable cultural assets, including the famous "Kofuku-ji Buddhist Paintings," which are still highly regarded today.

Popular faith in Kofuku-ji grew, and the temple became a symbol of Nara, attracting large numbers of worshippers. Annual rituals and festivals, such as the "Onmatsuri" held in October, became key events for the local community.

　5. Changes After the Meiji Restoration and the Modern Era (1868–Present)

After the Meiji Restoration, Kofuku-ji was greatly impacted by the government’s policy of separating Shinto from Buddhism (Shinbutsu Bunri) and the anti-Buddhist movement (Haibutsu Kishaku). The temple lost many buildings and lands. However, thanks to efforts to preserve cultural heritage, some of the temple’s statues and buildings were saved. In 1958 (the 33rd year of the Showa era), the National Treasure Museum opened, allowing the public to view many of the temple’s national treasures and important cultural properties.

In 1998 (the 10th year of the Heisei era), Kofuku-ji was recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara," acknowledging its historical and cultural significance on a global scale.

Today, Kofuku-ji continues to welcome worshippers and visitors, preserving Japan’s history and culture while undergoing ongoing restoration efforts.

3. Highlights of Kofuku-ji Temple 

Kofuku-ji Temple is one of the most iconic temples in Nara, known for its long history and numerous cultural assets. Below are some key spots to visit when exploring Kofuku-ji, introduced with detailed and accurate information.

　■ Five-Story Pagoda

The Five-Story Pagoda at Kofuku-ji is a symbol of Nara, standing 50.1 meters tall and making it the second tallest wooden pagoda in Japan (the tallest being the Five-Story Pagoda at To-ji Temple in Kyoto). The original pagoda was built in 730 AD during the Nara period, but it was repeatedly destroyed by fires and wars. The current structure was rebuilt in 1426 during the Muromachi period under the rule of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshinori.

The pagoda features a beautiful proportion where each tier gets smaller as it ascends, and the rhythm created by the roof's curves and overlapping eaves is unique. The central pillar running through the pagoda (shinbashira) not only supports the structure but also acts as a countermeasure against earthquakes. The pagoda also serves as a reliquary for sacred relics, known as "sharira," and is an object of veneration.

　■ Eastern Golden Hall (To-kondo)

The Eastern Golden Hall is one of the main halls of Kofuku-ji and has been designated a National Treasure. It was originally constructed in 726 AD by Emperor Shomu to pray for the recovery of his mother, Fujiwara no Miyako. "Kondo" refers to the main hall, and while the Western Golden Hall once stood alongside it, only the Eastern Golden Hall remains today.

The current hall was rebuilt in 1415 during the Muromachi period and features the architectural style of that era. The hall's structure is an impressive irimoya (hip-and-gable) roof with tiled roofing. Inside the hall, the principal image is the seated statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Buddha of Healing), an Important Cultural Property, flanked by standing statues of Nikko Bosatsu and Gakko Bosatsu (both National Treasures). The Four Heavenly Kings (Jikokuten, Zochoten, Komokuten, and Tamonten, all National Treasures) are positioned in the four corners, guarding the hall. These statues were made during the Nara and Heian periods using advanced techniques such as dry lacquer and wooden core dry lacquer.

　■ Central Golden Hall (Chu-kondo)

The Central Golden Hall is the main hall of Kofuku-ji and corresponds to the temple’s principal structure. Originally built in 710 AD when Kofuku-ji moved to its current location, the hall was repeatedly destroyed by fires and wars. After a fire in 1717, it remained unrebuilt for nearly 300 years, with only the base of the building left.

Reconstruction began in 2010, and the hall was finally completed in October 2018. The restoration was based on archaeological excavations and historical documents, reviving the architecture of the Nara and Heian periods. The bright vermilion columns and white walls reflect traditional Japanese wooden architecture.

Inside the hall, the main statue is a seated Shaka Nyorai (Buddha Shakyamuni) from the Kamakura period, designated an Important Cultural Property, flanked by attendant statues of Monju Bosatsu and Fugen Bosatsu.

　■ National Treasure Museum

The Kofuku-ji National Treasure Museum is renowned for its collection of National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, making it a treasure trove of Buddhist art. Originally opened in 1928, the museum has been renovated and expanded, with its current form reopening in 2018. The museum houses approximately 20 National Treasures and more than 40 Important Cultural Properties, making it one of Japan’s most significant collections.

Among the most famous exhibits is the "Asura" statue from the Nara period. This dry lacquer statue stands 153 cm tall and features three faces and six arms, representing one of the eight guardian deities in the Buddhist pantheon. The youthful and delicate expression on the Asura's face conveys inner conflict and quiet meditation, and its mystical appearance continues to fascinate visitors.

　■ Northern Octagonal Hall (Hokuendo)

The Northern Octagonal Hall, located on the northern side of the Kofuku-ji precincts, is designated as a National Treasure. It was originally built in 721 AD by the four sons of Fujiwara no Fuhito to commemorate the first anniversary of their father’s death. The current structure, rebuilt between 1208 and 1210 during the Kamakura period, is one of the oldest surviving octagonal halls in Japan.

The hall is primarily constructed in the traditional Japanese "wayo" style but also incorporates elements of "daibutsuyo" (Great Buddha style), resulting in a harmonious and beautiful design. The roof is made of cypress bark and the building stands with an elegant octagonal base. Inside, the principal image is the seated statue of Miroku Nyorai (Maitreya Buddha), a National Treasure made using the yosegi-zukuri (woodblock assembly) technique.

Also housed here are the statues of Mujaku and Seshin, believed to have been created by the master sculptor Unkei and his school. Mujaku and Seshin were Indian monks from the 4th–5th centuries who laid the foundation for the teachings of the Hosso school. While the Northern Octagonal Hall is usually closed to the public, these valuable statues can be seen during special openings.

　■ Southern Octagonal Hall (Nan’endo)

The Southern Octagonal Hall, located on the southern side of Kofuku-ji, is designated an Important Cultural Property. It was originally built in 813 AD by Fujiwara no Fuyutsugu to commemorate his father, Fujiwara no Uchimaro. Since then, the hall has been a site of devotion for the Fujiwara family, and it serves as the ninth stop on the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, attracting many pilgrims.

The current hall was rebuilt in 1789 and preserves the architectural style of the mid-Edo period. Its vivid vermilion exterior and octagonal shape are notable, with a cypress-bark roof in the irimoya style.

The main statue, Fukuukenjaku Kannon, is a secret Buddha and is not usually shown to the public. This wooden gilt statue from the Heian period stands about 3 meters tall.

　■ Three-Story Pagoda

Kofuku-ji’s Three-Story Pagoda is a National Treasure and is beloved for its beauty and historical significance. The original pagoda was built in 1143, but it was destroyed in the 1180 burning of Nara by Taira no Shigehira. The current pagoda, rebuilt in 1188, is one of the few surviving examples of early Kamakura-period architecture.

At 19 meters tall, it is smaller than the Five-Story Pagoda, but its balanced proportions give it a distinct charm. The pagoda follows the "wayo" architectural style, with intricate details and sophisticated carpentry. The roof is made of cypress bark, and the weathered texture tells of the building’s long history.

　■ Sarusawa Pond

Sarusawa Pond, located to the south of Kofuku-ji, is a well-known scenic spot that offers a glimpse of Nara’s timeless charm. The pond is about 360 meters in circumference and was constructed in 749 AD during the Nara period as a "hojo-ike," a pond where animals were released in accordance with Buddhist precepts to promote compassion.

The name "Sarusawa" is said to come from the grass that once grew around the pond, or from the legend that monkeys bathed in the pond during Emperor Heizei’s reign. Today, it remains a tranquil spot where visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere and reflect on Nara’s history.

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 In Conclusion 

Lastly, Kofuku-ji Temple continues to captivate visitors with its magnificent history and immense cultural value. Despite the repeated challenges of wars and disasters, this temple has preserved and passed down many cultural assets and Buddhist art to the present day. It remains an indispensable part of understanding Japan’s history and the development of Buddhism.

As you immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Nara, visiting Kofuku-ji allows you to experience the flow of time from the past to the present. When you visit Nara, be sure to take in the rich cultural heritage that this historical site offers.