Kôfukuji was founded in 668 by Emperor Tenji, and is one of the oldest and grandest of the temples in Japan. Located in Nara, the first Imperial capital of Japan, Kôfukuji was considered one of the four great temples of the Nara period, and one of the seven great temples on the Heian period. It earned these titles by receiving many many years of patronage from the powerful Fujiwara clan and the Imperial family. Kôfukuji grew throughout its history but lost most of its property with the religious reformations in the Meiji period (19th century), but has stabilized in recent years. Kôfukuji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For the casual: 9. For the educated: 9.

Kôfukuji, like many temples right now, are undergoing some major renovations over the next few years, so it might be hard for some to truly imagine how great Kôfukuji is. That being said, visitors can enter the Golden Hall which houses the oldest Buddhist statues in Japan, can visit the Octagonal Hall, and many many other smaller halls and pagodas. Most of the buildings at Kôfukuji are considered at least Important Cultural Assets if not National Treasures.

Do Not Feed the Deer!!!!