Kofukuji Temple

Kofukuji Temple was originally established by Kagami-no- Okimi, Fujiwara no Kamatari’s wife, for the recovery from illness that afflicted her husband. The temple was disassembled and rebuilt twice before standing in its current position in Nara. During the Heian period, Kofukuji Temple was viewed as a symbol and source of power for the Fujiwara clan. Not only did it have financial resources, but also political influence by being appointed by the Shogunate as an overseer of the province of Yamato. Like many temples in Japan, Kofukuji Temple suffered from a massive fire in 1717, along with damage from civil wars. Restoration efforts are still in progress and Center Golden Hall, one out of three golden halls, will be finished around 2018.