To many visitors, Kofukuji temple is the first big attraction you hit in Nara. While construction work is currently going on at the main hall, there are other structures around the temple complex. The towering pagoda is distinct and ancient, built a very long time ago. People were queuing at booths to have calligraphers write down messages on paper, presumably... More

Went to Nara from Osaka and spent a day there, it's very much worthed. Even during train trip from Osaka, we saw beautiful green forest and landscape. So many traditional houses along the way. Reached JR Nara, then took 20 min walk to this temple. A lot of restaurant along the walk path, also many souvenirs stores. Got to the... More

Kofukuji's pagoda is both a landmark and symbol of Nara. The 5 story pagoda and the octagonal temple are a wonderful sight to see.The five story pagoda is Japan's second tallest. The Central Golden Hall is presently being reconstructed and scheduled to be completed in October 2018. Further reconstruction works around the hall are planned to continue until 2023. Despite... More

Part of this is under construction, but two of the buildings hold 100's of beautiful Buddhist artifacts, carvings and statues, some dated to the 6th century. A must see in Nara.

As a world heritage building, it is really old. Apart from that, nothing much to look forward to. Not really recommended to worth a walk when there is time. Highlight was seeing an elderly man paint a portrait of the pagoda. Amazing!

This temple is very nice and has a very good five storey wooden pagoda. They are building the main hall at the moment. You can really appreciate the buildings from the outside and there is no need to pay the 500 yen entry fee to go inside the museum. If you pay for every temple and temple museum on your... More

Kofukuji is the nearest site from JR Nara station, we walked 20mins from the station to Kofukuji. It's on the left along the Sanjo dori street. The main temple is still under construction and covered, but there are many to see. The 5 story pagoda and the octagonal temple are a wonderful sight to see.

The pagoda takes the ranking of 2nd tallest in Japan, after the one in Kyoto. No entry fee to see the elegant octagonal temple nor pagoda, but only to enter the museum where you'll find many important sculpture going back to Eto period including the 12 generals who protect Buddha, the 6 monks, and a large statue. Worth a swing... More

The temple was in renovation, unfortunately, but its stunning museum was opened. Wonderful pieces of art from times as ancient as the 7th century, wonderfully staged. Not to be missed!