興福寺 / Kōfuku-ji
4.4 (12,999)attraction
4.4 (12,999)Most of the temple grounds are free to visit; paid admission tickets are required to enter specific halls (Central Golden Hall, Eastern Golden Hall, Octagonal Halls during special openings) and the National Treasure Museum.
Near Nara Park, this World Heritage temple complex shelters rare 8th-century sculptures, including the Ashura statue.
Description
Once among Nara's powerful Seven Great Temples and deeply tied to the Fujiwara clan, Kōfuku-ji spans expansive grounds with free-roaming deer that are largely open to explore. The site is anchored by historic halls and an iconic Five-Story Pagoda—one of Japan’s tallest, though under renovation until 2031. Beyond the exterior paths, ticketed entry grants access to the on-site National Treasure Museum (Kokuhokan), which displays celebrated Tenpyo-era masterpieces including the Eight Legions.
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Good to know
Mostly free to visit
