World Heritage Site Premium Tour（2025）

Kōfuku-ji is one of the most iconic temples included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.”
Originally founded in 669 as Yamashina-dera in Kyoto, the temple was relocated to Nara in 710 by Fujiwara no Fuhito, in conjunction with the establishment of the new capital, Heijō-kyō, and was renamed Kōfuku-ji.
As the family temple of the powerful Fujiwara clan, Kōfuku-ji flourished through the support of emperors, empresses, and noble patrons. During the Nara period, it was regarded as one of the Four Great Temples, and by the Heian period, it had become one of the Seven Great Temples of Japan.
The temple grounds feature several historically significant structures, including:

・The Five-Story Pagoda (rebuilt during the Muromachi period, National Treasure), traditionally attributed to Empress Kōmyō
・The Northern Octagonal Hall (Hokuendō) (rebuilt during the Kamakura period, National Treasure)
・The Southern Octagonal Hall (Nanen-dō) (rebuilt during the Edo period, Important Cultural Property)

In addition, the National Treasure Hall houses an outstanding collection of Buddhist sculptures, many of which are considered masterpieces of Japanese religious art.

The Tōkondō, designated a National Treasure, was originally built in 726 by imperial decree from Emperor Shōmu. It was reconstructed in 1415 during the Muromachi period in the architectural style of the Tenpyō era.
Inside the hall stands a remarkable ensemble of sacred statues, centered around the seated Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha), a masterpiece from the Muromachi period and an Important Cultural Property. Surrounding this principal image are:

・The standing statues of Nikkō and Gakkō Bosatsu (Bodhisattvas of sunlight and moonlight) – Important Cultural Properties
・The seated Monju Bosatsu (Manjushri) – National Treasure
・The seated Vimalakīrti – National Treasure
・The Twelve Divine Generals – National Treasures
・The Four Heavenly Kings – also National Treasures
This hall serves not only as a place of worship but also as a treasury of some of Japan’s most revered Buddhist sculptures. It offers visitors a rare opportunity to witness the elegance and spiritual depth of Tenpyō-period artistry.

　　The National Treasure Hall of Kōfuku-ji preserves an extensive collection of Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and artifacts that reflect the temple’s long and storied history. Many of these works are designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
Among its highlights are:

• The Eight Asura and Guardian Deities and Ten Great Disciples, crafted from dry lacquer during the Tenpyō period (8th century)
• The Twelve Heavenly Generals, carved in wood during the Heian period
• The powerful Kongōrikishi (Nio Guardian Kings) and the expressive Heavenly Demon Tamōki & Dragon-Holding Demon Ryūtōki, both from the Kamakura period
At the heart of this collection is the Statue of Asura (Ashura), one of Japan’s most celebrated masterpieces of Asuka-period Buddhist sculpture. With its serene expression and three-faced, six-armed form, the Asura figure has captivated viewers from around the world and remains a symbol of the spiritual and artistic heights of ancient Japanese craftsmanship.