By CHISAKO YONEDA/ Staff Writer
September 27, 2022 at 08:00 JST
The interior of the five-story pagoda of Kofukuji temple in Nara is shown to the media on Oct. 9, 2021. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
NARA--The first story of the five-story pagoda of Kofukuji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site here, is now open for public viewing until Oct. 16.
It will be the last chance to see the central column and 12 Buddhist statues standing in their current positions inside before the tower undergoes comprehensive renovation work for the first time in about 120 years.
Protective scaffolding will shield the structure for the duration of the repairs, which are scheduled for completion in March 2030.
The viewing event from Sept. 17 is sponsored by Kofukuji and The Asahi Shimbun.
Temple pagodas are built to enshrine Buddha’s ashes. Kofukuji’s five-story pagoda, which has national treasure status, was erected in 730 at the encouragement of Empress Komyo, the daughter of Fujiwara no Fuhito, who built the temple.
After the temple was destroyed by fire and rebuilt five times, the current tower was erected in 1426 during the Muromachi Period (1336-1573).
The pagoda seen from nearby Sarusawaike pond is regarded as one of the landscapes that best depicts the charms of the ancient capital.
Although the tower appears to be a five-story structure from the outside, it is actually hollow inside.
The pagoda will be open to the public until Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry at 4:45 p.m.).
Admission is 1,000 yen ($7) for adults and college students, 600 yen for junior and senior high school students and 400 yen for elementary school pupils. The price includes an amulet as a lucky charm.
For inquiries, visit the official website at (https://www.kohfukuji.com/english/).
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