Five Storied Pagoda - Kofukuji Temple — Attraction in Nara

Kohfukuji’s Five-storied Pagoda was originally erected in 730 by Empress Kōmyō (701–760), the daughter of Kohfukuji’s founding patron, Fujiwara no Fuhito (659–720). Over its long history, the pagoda burned down a total of five times, with the current reconstruction dating to 1426. At 50.1 meters, it is the second-tallest wooden pagoda in Japan today. Famous for its deep eaves, the structure successfully blends references to the architecture of the Nara Period (710–794) with the dynamic architectural style of the Muromachi Period (1136–1573) during which it was last rebuilt. The pagoda houses sculptures of the Four Buddhas of the Four Directions, each flanked by two attendant Bodhisattvas. This layout represents a Mahayana Buddhist conception of time and space. The north-south axis represents the progression of time, and the east-west axis represents space. The Buddha of the past, Shaka (Skt. Śākyamuni), is in the south, and Miroku (Skt. Maitreya), the Buddha of the future, is in the north. Amida, the Buddha of the Western Realm of Ultimate Bliss is in the west, and Yakushi, lord of the Eastern Pure Beryl Radiance Realm, is in the east. The location where these two axes intersect is here and now in this world. This spot is occupied by the central pillar, which rests on a stone foundation in which a vessel holding relics of the Buddha is said to...

Kōfuku-ji Gojūnotō (興福寺五重塔) is one of the most iconic landmarks in Nara, Japan. Standing at 50.1 meters (164 feet), it is the second tallest wooden pagoda in Japan, after the pagoda at Tō-ji in Kyoto. Originally built in 730 by Empress Kōmyō, the Five-Story Pagoda has been reconstructed multiple times due to fires, with the current structure dating back to 1426 during the Muromachi period.

The pagoda is an important symbol of Kōfuku-ji, a Buddhist temple that was historically linked to the influential Fujiwara clan. As a representation of Buddhist cosmology, each of its five stories corresponds to one of the five elements: earth, water, fire, wind, and void. The elegant, tiered design reflects traditional Japanese temple architecture, emphasizing harmony with nature.

Kōfuku-ji Gojūnotō is especially striking against the backdrop of Nara Park, where deer roam freely. It is a popular spot for visitors, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich Buddhist heritage. While the interior is not typically open to the public, its exterior alone captivates with its intricate wooden craftsmanship.

As part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kōfuku-ji’s Five-Story Pagoda remains a timeless symbol of Japan’s cultural and...

A highlight! The Kofuku-ji Gojunoto, the Five-Storied Pagoda of Kofuku Temple, was originally built in 730 by Empress Kōmyō (701–760). At 50.1 meters high, it is the second tallest wooden pagoda in Japan. During its long existence, the pagoda burned down five times and was rebuilt just as many times, the last time in 1426 during the Muromachi Period. The pagoda houses sculptures of the Four Buddhas of the Four Directions, each flanked by two attendant...