Kofukuji temple in Nara, Japan

Day 5 in Nara: Deer Park - Todaiji Temple in Nara - Yoshikien Garden - KOFUKUJI TEMPLE - Naramachi street

Leaving the crowds of the Todai-ji temple behind, we started walking on the streets of Nara Park again. Absolutely devoid of any kind of traffic – vehicle or otherwise - the place was tranquil and slow and seemed to find it's roots in all things traditional.

The Nara Park walkway
The Nara Park walkway

Making our way leisurely through the fascinating landscaping, we made sure to break away every now and then and savor the sights, sounds and smells of an environ which simply seemed way too happy to be moving at it’s our own rate.

Green canopies of the Nara Park, Japan
Walk under the big umbrella of sky soaring trees

Nara Park, Japan
Relish the slender hints of sunshine passing through

A deer in Nara Park, Japan
Gaze at those innocent creatures who never fail to amaze

Nara Park, Japan
Tread the path carpeted by the dry fallen leaves

Isn't it amazing, how time suddenly comes to a standstill...
when we walk across places like these, that seem to have been crafted
so carefully in pieces of silence?  

Taking it all in, bit by bit, we finally reached our next place in the itinerary which was the Kofukuji temple.

The Kofukuji Temple

Resplendent with old buildings and structures originally dating back to the 7th century but reconstructed between the 12th – 18th centuries, the Kofukuji temple is one of the ancient temples of Nara featuring in the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Overview of the Kofuku-ji temple grounds
Overview of the Kofuku-ji temple grounds

Our stay at the Kofukuji temple grounds was brief with our main sight of attraction being the intricately carved five storey pagoda - which was quite a remarkable structure.

Kofukuji's five tier pagoda – A symbol of Nara in Japan
Kofukuji's tip of five tier pagoda – A symbol of Nara in Japan

Kofukuji's five tier pagoda – A symbol of Nara and
also Japan’s second tallest building after Tojiji temple in Kyoto.
It was first built in 730 and restructured in 1426.

Besides the pagoda, the temple grounds also houses two octagonal buildings - the Hokuendo (Northern Octagonal Hall) and the Nanendo (Southern Octagonal Hall), a national treasure museum containing ancient relics of Buddhist art, an Eastern Golden Hall housing a large wooden statue and the temple’s main building, the Central Golden Hall which is currently under renovation.

The Nanendo hall, Kofukuji Temple in Nara - Japan
The Nanendo hall dating back over a thousand years, rebuilt in 1210.

Tokondo hall or the Eastern golden hall, Kofukuji Temple in Nara - Japan
Tokondo hall or the Eastern golden hall

We passed by all of these structures but gave a miss on entering the insides due to lack of time.

Tips for Travelers

Entrance fee and timings: 24 hrs. open free admission on Kofukuji's temple grounds.
However, please note that a payment is required for entering the temple's National Treasure Museum and the Eastern Golden Hall.

Previous Posts from the Japan Trip -

1. Planning for Japan: Visa, Flight Bookings, Hotel Reservations, etc.

2. Sunrise pictures from the flight to Japan
9. A Walk in the Yoshikien Garden

PS: Thank you for all your kind prayers and wishes in my last post. I know that I had closed the comments section... but I believe that feelings that come from the heart don't need any words for expression. I am good, slowly getting back and will be at your space very very soon. Thanks again :-)

Post a Comment

60 Comments

  1. I absolutely loved the serene garden the most....but the temple is beautiful too....

    loving your japan series!!!

    http://www.myunfinishedlife.com/

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  2. Such a great tour, as always, Arti! Your captures are superb as usual! They are the next best thing to being there myself!! Hope your week is going well!

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  3. The top of this pagoda is really amazing! And the deer and beautiful nature, I hope it stays this way.

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  4. I have been thinking of you, Arti. I hope all is well. Your photos pay homage to quiet sanctuaries - both the woodland and the pagoda.

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  5. Nice photo series of Nara.It's good for me to remember Nara tour. I went to Kyoto in this new year holiday tour.

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  6. Looks like a beautiful opportunity for a stroll paired with some peace and quiet. Beautiful pagoda too!

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  7. Good to see you return with such a green post, Arti!

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  8. Arti, Welcome back.
    Great to read your new post .Nice to know about Kofukuji Temple. Thanks for sharing.Love the beautiful photographs.Thanks :)

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  9. The road are stunningly beautiful! Loved the Deer pic. It seems the Deer is confused to see only roots and no trees in front of him! :D

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  10. My dear friend Arti
    Thank you for so beautiful photos and interesting informations!!!
    There is so calm in Nara!
    I wish you to be allways happy!
    Many greetings and a warm hug

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  11. wow The Nanendo hall dating back over a thousand years, rebuilt in 1210....amazing .. lovely pics indeed but Nara deity ? how does he look like ?? love to read your posts with amazing pics !! all the best..

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  12. Welcome back, Arti. I missed you and hope all is well now. Lovely pics as usual. Such beautiful grounds.

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  13. Pictures are terrific. Thank you for the tour!

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  14. Welcome back Arti..Superb..post..!
    I like the roots forming a pattern in deer picture..

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  15. Welcome back. Great post. The deer looks absolutely in peace!

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  16. It's a sheer bliss always to be surrounded by green trees. Lovely pictures!
    And glad to see you coming back to blogging!

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  17. Great shots! I really like the picture with all the tree roots.

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  18. The scenes are lovely, but I did so enjoy seeing the school children.

    Well done, Arti.

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  19. Hello, Arti.

    Happy New year.

      Your work is embraced in your gentleness.
      And sweet message charms my heart.

      The prayer for all peace.
      I wish You all the best.

    Greeting.
    From Japan, ruma❃

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  20. Gorgeous photos for a tour of a place so far from me.

    The pagoda is beautiful!

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  21. Dear Arti,
    Glad to see your new post. I hope 2013 will bring lots of happiness to you all.
    Tomoko

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  22. "Isn't it amazing, how time suddenly comes to a standstill...
    when we walk across places like these, that seem to have been crafted
    so carefully in pieces of silence? "- it is Arti, like you, i so love silence and the beauty and inspiration it brings, lovely captures.

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  23. The park must be huge with deers running free. Interesting to know the temple grounds are open 24 hrs. I wonder how many people go there at night.

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  24. Dear Arti, happy belated new year, hope everything okay there , my wish and hope for your happyness :)

    Welcome back ..

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  25. As always a great post, my favourite photograph has to be the one showing all those tree roots. It strikes me how clean and tidy all of these places are, it's almost as if no leaf dares to fall from the trees.

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  26. Dear Arti, it's amazing. how many lovely places you got to visit in Japan - you really made the best out of your trip. Such peaceful and pretty pictures here. Hope your weekend is filled with nice moments, see you soon! xx

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  27. Welcome back Arti and I hope that beautiful memories are sustaining you as you deal with your loss.

    Thank you for continuing your Japan travelogue as I have really enjoyed the trip virtually. And this post did not disappoint. Glad to be back on the journey,

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  28. Hi Arti,

    The park and temples look so tranquil and must have been amazing, walking around here. Thanks for sharing.
    Happy to see you back and have been thinking of you.
    Enjoy the weekend
    Carolyn

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  29. I can feel life slowing down in these serenely beautiful shots.

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  30. it is wonderfull to see another beautifull temple and a serene landscape...it is also great to see you back to blogging : )

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  31. Lovely apt pictures as usual. I will be back to check on all your Japan posts soon. I need to plan a trip there. :)

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  32. Nice work - pictures ...
    Greeting Eko
    Finland / Lapland / Kuusamo
    http://eskoalamaunu.blogspot.fi/

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  33. Beautiful shots, your series on Japan will serve as a good planning guide to all the readers. Welcome back from your trip, hope you enjoyed it. BTW, the lines of the goodbye post were amazing.

    Happy New Year.

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  34. Indeed there is something very charming and calming about Japanese gardens and temples. Thanks for taking us into another one of these cherished Nara temples an grounds. Another reason I need to go back to Japan and make sure I visit Nara.

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  35. Hi Arti... The gardens looks so calm and soothing, as if inviting for meditation. The temple is very well maintained.
    Thanks and all the best for 2013. God bless you.

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  36. Your photos are amazing! It's almost like I get to travel with you by looking at them. Beautiful post!

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  37. I feel calm -- it just washed over me as I read -- I love it!

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  38. clean and neat park way...

    beautiful temple and photos...

    thanks

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  39. Would love to visit! Beautifully captured!

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  40. Hi Arti,
    Even the pictures of Nara Park convey so much serenity & peace...it must have been divine out there.
    Tomorrow is your B-Day-i wish you the very best of everything in life,enjoyyyy!

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  41. Arti this really amazing. The blog has tempting pics and a whole sum information for anyone to pack luggage. Great work keep traveling n writing. http://neoimaginations.blogspot.com

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  42. The roots in the garden reminded me of the pathway to Guna caves in Kodaikanal. Nice post Arti.

    www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in

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  43. The park is so calm with its nice green foliage. And the temple is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
    All the best for your journeys ahead :)

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  44. Hi Arti... how are you?... glad that you dropped in :)
    I got a glimpse of these Japanese architectural pattern in Lumbini too... I just love them...
    Cheers & take care!

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  45. What a gorgeous park, and the temple is fantastic..I would love to visit one day!

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  46. Hi Arti: There is a Blog of 2012 Award for you. Please pick it up at Ramblings and Musings: www.sankriti.blogspot.in

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  47. I am gad you are getting back to blogging.
    May your heart be filled with peace and love again.
    Take good care of yourself Arti,

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  48. Good to see you back, Arti...the garden is so so very beautiful and serene..nothing less than the temple premises. Great shots!Thanks for sharing...

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  49. the temple is beautiful .. i saw a similar temple in Johannesburg and it was also a Buddhist temple... beautiful designs, so serene and calm !

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  50. Wonderful shots of temple. Nice architecture.

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  51. temple is beautiful :) I loved that cris-cross of roots. It was like WOOOWW :)

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  52. Aren't those pagodas such attractive structures?!

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  53. Keep bringing it on, Arti! This virtual tour of Japan is entrancing.

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  54. Great series !

    http://pareshkale.blogspot.in/

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  55. Its amazing how you have captured the essence of Kofuku-ji Temple... :)

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