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

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.

Walk under the big umbrella of sky soaring trees

Relish the slender hints of sunshine passing through

Gaze at those innocent creatures who never fail to amaze

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

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 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 dating back over a thousand years, rebuilt in 1210.

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

3. Entire Day 1 of Japan (includes Review of Hotel Villa Fontaine Roppongi, Tokyo, Expedia Japan Office Meet: An Afternoon to Remember)

4. Entire Day 2 of Japan (includes SensoJi temple: Asakusa - Tokyo, Nakamise Dori Shopping Arcade in Tokyo, Sumida River Cruise, Tokyo, A Stroll in the Hibiya Gardens, Imperial Palace and East Gardens, The Tokyo Tower, Japan)

5. Entire Day 3 of Japan (includes Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo, ISKCON Temple, Funabori in Tokyo, Epson Aquarium, Shinagawa in Tokyo

6. Entire Day 4 of Japan - Nara (includes Riding the Shinkansen: My ticket to Kyoto, Hello Nara (Planning and Welcome), Driving through Nara: An Introduction, Horyu-ji Temple, Tea Ceremony in Jiko-in Zen Temple)
7. Messengers of God: Deer in Nara Park

8. The Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple in Nara

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 :-)