Kofukuji at a glance
Kofukuji is a Buddhist temple in the east of Nara, next to the western side of Nara Park. It is best known for its five-storied pagoda. That pagoda is currently under major repair, so the main thing to plan around is what you can visit inside the temple area today. The most reliable stop is the National Treasure Hall, a museum of Buddhist sculpture.
This site is an independent guide. It is not run by the temple. Prices are in Japanese yen as of 2026 and can change, so check them before you go.
National Treasure Hall: hours and prices
The museum of Buddhist sculpture, in 2026.
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | JPY 900 |
| Teenagers | JPY 800 |
| Children | JPY 500 |
The hall opens at 09:00 and closes at 17:00, and the last entry is at 16:45. Pay in cash. From Kintetsu-Nara it is about 5 minutes on foot. The temple groups its fees by school level, with separate rates for adults and university students, for middle and high school students and for elementary school students. Check the current ticket board at the entrance, because other halls and special openings can have their own prices.
Nara tours and day trips
Guided walks, temple visits and day trips from Kyoto and Osaka, with live prices and availability.
The five-storied pagoda and its restoration
What to expect when you arrive.
The pagoda is enclosed by a protective roof and scaffold structure. The cover was completed in March 2025 and surrounds the whole pagoda. This means you should not expect an unobstructed view of the pagoda from the outside, and you should not expect to enter it.
Completion is expected between 2031 and March 2034. Plan your visit as if the pagoda stays covered, and treat anything you see of it as a bonus. If the pagoda is the reason for your trip, the temple itself and the park around it are still worth the walk.
Planning your visit
How to fit Kofukuji into a day in Nara.
Start here from Kintetsu-Nara
Kofukuji is the closest major sight to Kintetsu-Nara station, so it works well as a first stop. From JR Nara the walk to the park and Kofukuji takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Our getting-there guide compares both stations.
Skip the cover, see the sculpture
The National Treasure Hall is a museum, so it is a good option in rain or heat. Do not treat the covered pagoda as a main reason for a visit.
Sarusawa-ike pond
The pond at the western edge of the city is a pleasant place for a pause. Do not expect a free view of the covered pagoda from there.
Seasons around Kofukuji
What the weather means for a visit.
Spring
Cherry blossom usually starts in late March, and different varieties bloom until the end of April. Late varieties can bloom in late April and early May. There is no single peak date for all trees.
Summer
August is the hottest month, with an average daily high of 33.4 degrees Celsius. June is the wettest month, with an average of 184 mm of rain. In heat or rain, the indoor National Treasure Hall is a good choice.
Autumn
Autumn colour in the park areas usually runs from late October to early December. Treat that as a planning range, not a guarantee of peak colour on your day.
Winter
January has an average high of 8.7 degrees Celsius and an average low of 0.8. Dress in layers for a day outdoors. The averages are long-term values, not a forecast. See the page on the best time to visit Nara for all months.
Nearby
More stops in the same part of Nara.
Kofukuji: frequently asked questions
Can I see the five-storied pagoda?
The pagoda is enclosed by a protective structure that was completed in March 2025. Do not expect an uncovered view or access to the inside. Completion is expected between 2031 and March 2034.
How much is the National Treasure Hall?
In 2026 the entry is JPY 900 for adults, JPY 800 for teenagers and JPY 500 for children. Pay in cash.
What are the opening hours?
The National Treasure Hall is open 09:00–17:00, with the last entry at 16:45.
How far is Kofukuji from the station?
About 5 minutes on foot from Kintetsu-Nara to the National Treasure Hall. From JR Nara allow 15 to 20 minutes to the park and Kofukuji.
Is a combination ticket available?
Other halls and special openings can have their own prices. Check the ticket board at the temple for the current offers.