Nara City Tourism Association

The Kohfukuji Temple was one of the seven most prominent temples of the Nara era and a tutelary temple of the Fujiwara clan, the most influential clan in Japanese history. Nara largely owed its prosperity to the temple's development.

In 710, the Fujiwara clan transferred the predecessor of the present Kohfukuji Temple from Asuka to the Nara capital. Then, the temple extended its influence with the Fujiwara family's prosperity even after the capital moved to Kyoto. The war in 1180 burned down most of the temple, however, in later years, Kohfukuji eventually became the practical ruler of Yamato Province (present Nara Pref.)   until the 16th century. They were so influential that they repeatedly appealed to the Imperial Court in Kyoto with soldier monks.

The vast precincts of the temple include the Chukon-do Hall, the Tokon-do Hall, the Hokuen-do Hall, the Nan'en-do Hall, the Five-storied Pagoda, the Three-storied Pagoda, and the Treasure Hall, some of which were constructed in and after the 13th century. As for Buddhist sculptures, many famous articles and masterpieces of the Nara era exist. Of these 136 designated national treasures　(Buddha statues, etc.) in Japan, 18 are housed at Kohfukuji Temple. The most famous statue is the Asura Statue.

The five-story pagoda is currently undergoing long-term repair work and cannot be seen from the outside.

Tobihino, located on the grounds of Kasugataisha Shrine, is a vast grassy area facing the main sando (approach) to the shrine. Here, you can see herds of deer playing freely. This is also where the Shika Yose (Deer Gathering) event is held, where the musical tones of a natural horn are used to bring the deer together in a specific location.

The Kasugataisha Shrine lies in a primeval forest. The brilliant vermillion edifices beautifully contrast with their surrounding greenery. Going through the first and second Torii gates, you can see many stone lanterns standing on both sides of the approach to the shrine. Going on further, you will reach the main hall. From the gate, a corridor extends to the left and to the right. A great number of lanterns hang from the eaves of the corridor, which are lit twice a year (2/3 and 8/14-15).

When the capital was transferred to Nara in 710, the Fujiwara clan celebrated a mass for the family's tutelary deities, which is considered to be the origin of this shrine. 

The shrine was established here in 768. Like the Kofuku-ji Temple, it prospered along with the Fujiwara family even after the capital moved to Kyoto. After the Middle Ages, this belief was prevalent among ordinary people, as shown by the fact that the dignitaries and ordinary people donated various hanging and stone lanterns.

The tutelary deities enshrined here are Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto from Kashima of Ibaraki Prefecture, Futsunushi-no-Mikoto from Katori of Chiba Prefecture, Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto and Himegami from Hiraoka of Osaka Prefecture.

(10 minutes' walk from the bus stop Kasuga Taisha Omote Sando of Loop Line Bus of the city)

Mount Wakakusa is a triple-layered mountain covered in grass. From its 342-meter-high summit, visitors can enjoy a typical view of Nara, which includes Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, Nara City, and Mt. Ikoma. Sunsets and night views,recognized as one of Japan's three most beautiful nightscapes, are also worth experiencing. The summit is accessible by a toll road for cars or on foot.

In recent years, many tourists have been watching the sunset from the base of Mount Wakakusa, which is within walking distance of Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taishashrine. One of the most famous events is the annual "Yamayaki," during which vast brushwood on the mountainside is burned. The spectacular sight of the fire blazing into the night sky truly deserves the title of a festival of fire.

Todaiji Temple and its principal image of the Great Buddha, widely known as Daibutu, represent Nara in all its aspects. Daibutsu is housed in an imposing wooden structure that is the largest in the world.

As the imperial ordinance for the construction in 743, the Great Buddha was cast under full state sponsorship and people's cooperation. The consecrating ceremony was held in 752. It took almost 40 years to complete the whole temple complex, including pagodas, halls, and gradually extended areas. Even after the capital moved to Kyoto, the temple enjoyed its prosperity under the protection of successive emperors. However, the two big wars attacked the temple in 1180 and 1567, severely damaging or burning most of it.

However, with tremendous efforts, the temple was restored each time. Many of the current buildings were reconstructed after that. However, a large number of noted Buddhist statues and buildings from the Nara era remain. Todaiji Temple is a Unesco World Heritage site.

A typical sightseeing course is as follows:

the Nandai-mon Gate

the Daibutsu-den Hall

the Belfry

the Shunjo-do Hall

the Sammai-do Hall (Shigatsu-do)

the Hokke-do Hall (Sangatsu-do)

the Kaisan-do Hall

the Nigatsu-do Hall

the Tegai-mon Gate

the Kaidan-in　

Even if you quickly complete the whole course, it takes 4 hours. If you don't have much time, it's better to focus on the Daibutsu-den Hall first, then the Nigatsu-do Hall (the Hall for the Shunie ceremony in March), where you can see an incredible sunset in the west.

(15 minutes' walk from Kintetsu Nara Station)

Museum that exhibits Buddhist art, national treasures and important cultural properties. The Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall contains close to 100 Buddhist sculptures that are on permanent display. Special exhibitions are held twice a year in the museum's new hall. It is in Nara Park, and you can also enjoy the sight of many deer gathering there.

Isui-en Garden was originally constructed by a Nara tanner, who lived within the garden grounds. The garden was designated as government property in 1975. The garden landscape makes use of the surrounding Mount Wakakusa, Mount Kasuga, and the roof of Todai-ji Temple's great gate in its design, making it appears as though the fields of Mount Wakakusa continue uninterrupted down into the garden itself and across its little hills. The garden grounds also contain Neiraku Museum, which carries a collection of art from East and West alike.