[Exclusive Tour] Kohfukuji Temple Visit and Bell Ringing Experience

This tour offers a perfect opportunity to deeply explore the allure of Kohfukuji Temple. Accompanied by a local interpreter-guide and using the Kohfukuji Temple Tourist Visual Guide, you will tour iconic structures such as the “Nan'endo” Southern Round Hall, the Three-storied Pagoda, and the “Chukondo” Central Golden Hall. You will gain a deep understanding of each building's historical background and cultural significance through detailed explanations.

Additionally, this tour offers an exclusive experience where you can ring the bell of Kohfukuji Temple yourself. In November, a premium program is available in the evening where you can enjoy the Chukondo Hall personally guided by the temple monks. This tour, which brings you closer to the history and spirit of Kohfukuji Temple, will leave a lasting impression as a cherished memory. Don't miss this chance to experience the profound charm of Kohfukuji Temple.

Every day, the bell of Kofukuji temple rings out at set times—morning, noon, and night—marking the passage of time for the local community for over a thousand years. This tour offers a rare opportunity to personally strike this historic bell. As you ring the bell at 6 PM, you will not only experience a piece of Kohfukuji's long and rich history, but also create a truly memorable moment.

You will be guided personally by the monks of Kohfukuji Temple through the impressive “Chukondo” Central Golden Hall. This unique opportunity allows you to learn directly from the monks about the history and culture of the Chukondo, as well as the Buddhist teachings passed down through generations at Kohfukuji. Of course, they will also be happy to answer any questions you might have! Surrounded by the temple’s mysteries, you will be able to experience a profound sense of spirituality.

Kohfukuji Temple is a historic temple founded in 710 when the capital of Nara was established. As the main temple of the Hosso sect of Buddhism, many national ceremonies have been held at Kohfukuji since the Nara period (710-794), and the temple has been deeply involved in the culture and history of the ancient capital of Nara. The temple preserves many masterpieces of Buddhist art, including the Ashura statue, a national treasure which tells the history of Buddhism in Japan. The Chukondo (Central Golden Hall), in particular, is one of the central buildings of Kohfukuji Temple and houses many exquisite Buddhist statues as well as magnificent architecture. In addition, its splendid five-story pagoda and charming gardens offer visitors beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons, symbolizing the harmony between Nara's history and nature.

The tours are available in two time slots: from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00.
Please note that the tour of Chukondo Hall with the monks is not included in the 10:00 session.

• 16:00～ Gather in front of Kohfukuji Temple’s Nan'en-do Hall.

• 16:10～ Explore the temple’s grounds using the Kohfukuji Temple Tourist Visual Guide.

• 17:00～ A monk will give you a private tour of the Chukondo Hall.

※ In November, the Chukondo will be reserved from 5:00 PM, with a monk personally guiding you.

• 17:45～ Special experience at Kohfukuji Temple (Bell Ringing Experience).

• 18:10～ End of the tour

〇 Vanessa, Belgium
Hearing directly from the priest about Buddhism was really special. And also ringing the temple bell. It is an experience I will never forget

〇 Elodie, France
It was incredible. Everything was explained well. Ringing the bell was really a nice way to end the experience.

〇 Thein, Myanmar
This is my first time entering Kofuku-ji’s Chukondo Hall and it looks majestic up close. I think the lack of crowds and the exclusive tour by a monk made it more engaging. The bell-ringing was definitely the icing on the cake.

◎ English-Speaking Guide
◎ Kohfukuji Temple’s Chukondo Hall Admission Fee
◎ Bell Ringing Experience at Kohfukuji Temple
◎ [Only on November evenings] Personal tour of Kohfukuji’s Chukondo Hall by the monks
× Transportation costs

• Your reservation will be confirmed upon a reply from Sharing Kyoto.
• Please book by noon of the business day before your visit so that we can build the best experience for you.
  　※ Last-minute bookings may lead to tour cancellations due to unavailable guides or unforeseen issues at Kofukuji Temple.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply. Minors must obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before applying. Elementary school children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• The experience may be canceled or postponed at short notice, or the content may be changed due to traffic conditions, etc.
• We may share your responses to surveys and reviews on our social networking sites and media.

• Free of charge for cancellations up to 8 days prior to the tour date, 100% for cancellations 7 days or less prior to the tour date.
• Special Cases (Natural disaster, virus, etc.): Full refund.
• Bank transfer fees for refunds in the event of cancellation due to the customer’s circumstances will be borne by the customer.