Exclusive Early Tour of National Treasure Tokondo – Pre-Opening Access & Buddhist Teachings by a Monk

This exclusive, small-group experience takes place at Kohfuku-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nara. In the quiet of early morning, you will enjoy special access to the National Treasure Tokondo Hall and gain deep insight into Buddhist teachings, breathing techniques, and the cultural significance of its treasures, guided by a resident monk.

With a history spanning over 1,300 years, Kohfuku-ji is one of Japan’s most revered temples and has played a significant role in the development of Japanese Buddhism and culture. The Tokondo Hall, designated as a National Treasure, houses a remarkable collection of Buddhist statues, some dating back nearly 1,000 years. Normally bustling with visitors, this sacred space is made available for exclusive early-morning access, offering a rare and intimate opportunity to experience it in serene silence, before the gates open to the public.

The guide is a monk currently training at Kohfuku-ji Temple. In addition to sharing the beauty of the temple’s architecture and Buddha statues as cultural assets, he will also explain the core principles of Buddhism and the rituals that can enrich everyday life, all in a clear and thorough manner. The monk will also demonstrate a technique practiced in their own training: using breath to calm the mind. As you contemplate the Buddha statues and focus on your breath, this will be a special moment to quietly center both body and mind.

Why not immerse yourself in a deeper sense of learning and inner peace, experiences that go beyond just sightseeing, in a space where history and culture come to life? It is a unique opportunity to savor a special moment in Nara's morning that can only be experienced here.

Kohfuku-ji 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 Kohfuku-ji since the Nara period (710-794), and the temple has been deeply involved in the culture and history of the ancient capital. The temple houses many masterpieces of Buddhist art, including the Ashura statue, a national treasure, preserving the history of Japanese Buddhism to this day.

The Tokondo Hall has a history of approximately 1,300 years since its founding, with the current structure rebuilt in 1415. Inside this hall, designated as a national treasure, are many invaluable Buddhist statues, including the Yakushi Nyorai, the Nikko and Gakko Bosatsu, and the Four Heavenly Kings, which are iconic examples of Japanese Buddhist sculpture. To have the rare opportunity to visit this historically and culturally significant space in the quiet of the early morning is a truly valuable experience.。

With exclusive access to the “Tokondo” Eastern Golden Hall, a practicing monk of Kohfuku-ji will offer thoughtful explanations of the hall’s Buddhist statues, architecture, worship etiquette, and the fundamental teachings of Buddhism. This is a rare opportunity to gain insights not available during regular temple visits. You will discover the deeper meaning and cultural significance of these national treasures through the eyes of a monk. Conducted in a small group setting, the experience allows for questions and conversation, fostering a deeper and more personal understanding.

In this experience, a Kohfuku-ji monk will teach participants the 'breathing techniques' he practices daily in his own training. While facing the Buddhist statues in the quiet hall, you will focus on your breath. This time will help calm your mind and provide an opportunity for deep self-reflection. The tranquility of this historic space will create a special, lasting memory in your heart.

8:20 AM – Meet in front of the Tokondo Hall
Gather in front of the Tokondo, a National Treasure located at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Kohfuku-ji Temple.

8:30 AM – Special Guided Tour of the Tokondo Hall before it opens to the public
A monk will personally guide you through the hall, offering clear explanations of the Buddhist statues, teachings, and rituals. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to experience the breathing techniques practiced daily by the monks to calm and center the mind.

9:00 AM – End of the tour
You can continue to enjoy the Chukondo (Central Golden Hall) and the National Treasure Hall, which open to the public at 9:00 AM.
The early morning hours tend to be quieter, making it an ideal time to leisurely appreciate the cultural treasures.
Take this opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere, and quietly appreciate the National Treasures at your own pace.

In addition to experiencing the history directly, you will also be able to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience with the free “Visual Guide”.
Through rich visual representations using VR (virtual reality), this content allows you to explore Kohfuku-ji's philosophy, its efforts toward reconstruction, and the spiritual perspectives of the Japanese people in a deeply engaging way. The experience is available by visiting the site.
For more details, visit：https://kohfukuji-project.jp/visualguide/en/index.html