Overview
Moved here with the capital in 710, the Fujiwara clan's temple heads the Hosso school. Its 50m five-story pagoda — Japan's second tallest after To-ji's in Kyoto — defines Nara's skyline (note it may be under renovation scaffolding until around 2031). The Central Golden Hall, rebuilt in 2018, is imposing, but the highlight is the National Treasure Hall: the boyish six-armed Ashura (8th century) and other masterpieces of Japanese sculpture convert even the unmoved into Buddhist-art fans. The grounds are free to wander.
💰 Tickets
Grounds free; National Treasure Hall JPY 700, Central Golden Hall JPY 500; Eastern Golden Hall priced separately when open.
🎟️ Check ticket prices →Opening Hours
Grounds always open; treasure hall and Central Golden Hall 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:45)
🚇 Getting there
5 minutes from Kintetsu-Nara Exit 2; 15 minutes up Sanjo-dori from JR Nara.
⏱️ How long to visit
About 1 hour; 1.5 with the treasure hall.
🌅 Best time to visit
The evening pagoda illumination over Sarusawa Pond is lovely, and its location makes it a natural first stop on arrival.
Travel Tips
The treasure hall is quietest late afternoon. Walk down to Sarusawa Pond for the classic pagoda-reflection shot (check whether scaffolding is up).
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🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Nara, Japan from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for Japan on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Nara on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.
Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in Nara with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Nara 한인" before you go.
Attractions near Kofuku-ji
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Things to Do in Nara
Deer Feeding in Nara Park
Buy shika-senbei and feed the bowing deer — the essential Nara experience. Morning deer are gentlest for first-timers.
Kimono Rental Stroll
Rent a kimono and wander the park, temples and Naramachi lanes — kimono photos with deer are a Nara exclusive.
Naramachi Lanes & Machiya Tour
Stroll the latticed machiya lanes hung with charm monkeys, linking Koshi-no-Ie, Gango-ji and craft cafes in the old quarter.