A Premium Mindfulness Journey in Ancient Nara

Kōfuku-ji Temple

Kōfuku-ji is one of the most iconic temples included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.”
Originally founded in 669 as Yamashina-dera in Kyoto, the temple was relocated to its present location in 710 by Fujiwara no Fuhito, in conjunction with the establishment of the new capital, Heijō-kyō, and was renamed Kōfuku-ji.
As the family temple of the powerful Fujiwara clan, Kōfuku-ji flourished through the support of emperors, empresses, and noble patrons. During the Nara period, it was regarded as one of the Four Great Temples, and by the Heian period, it had become one of the Seven Great Temples of Japan.
The temple grounds feature several historically significant structures, including:
• The Five-Story Pagoda (rebuilt during the Muromachi period, National Treasure), traditionally attributed to Empress Kōmyō
• The Northern Octagonal Hall (Hokuendō) (rebuilt during the Kamakura period, National Treasure)
• The Southern Octagonal Hall (Nanen-dō) (rebuilt during the Edo period, Important Cultural Property)
In addition, the National Treasure Hall houses an outstanding collection of Buddhist sculptures, many of which are treasured masterpieces of Japanese religious art.

Tōkondō (Eastern Golden Hall)

The Tōkondō, designated a National Treasure, was originally built in 726 by imperial decree from Emperor Shōmu. It was reconstructed in 1415 during the Muromachi period in the architectural style of the Tenpyō era.
Inside the hall stands a remarkable ensemble of sacred statues, centered around the seated Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha), a masterpiece from the Muromachi period and an Important Cultural Property. Surrounding this principal image are:
• The standing statues of Nikkō and Gakkō Bosatsu (Bodhisattvas of sunlight and moonlight) – Important Cultural Properties
• The seated Monju Bosatsu (Manjushri) – National Treasure
• The seated Vimalakīrti – National Treasure
• The Twelve Divine Generals – National Treasures
• The Four Heavenly Kings – also National Treasures
This hall serves not only as a place of worship but also as a treasury of some of Japan’s most revered Buddhist sculptures. It offers visitors a rare opportunity to witness the elegance and spiritual depth of Tenpyō-period artistry.

National Treasure Hall & the Statue of Asura

The National Treasure Hall of Kōfuku-ji preserves an extensive collection of Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and artifacts that reflect the temple’s long and storied history. Many of these works are designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
Among its highlights are:
• The Eight Asura and Guardian Deities and Ten Great Disciples, crafted from dry lacquer during the Tenpyō period (8th century)
• The Twelve Heavenly Generals, carved in wood during the Heian period
• The powerful Kongōrikishi (Nio Guardian Kings) and the expressive Heavenly Demon Tamōki & Dragon-Holding Demon Ryūtōki, both from the Kamakura period
At the heart of this collection is the Statue of Asura (Ashura), one of Japan’s most celebrated masterpieces of Tenpyō-era sculpture. With its serene expression and three-faced, six-armed form, the Asura figure has captivated viewers from around the world and remains a symbol of the spiritual and artistic heights of ancient Japanese craftsmanship.

A Premium Mindfulness Journey Through Ancient Nara
with Alex Kerr

Tour Dates: ① Sunday, October 12　 ② Monday (Public Holiday), October 13
Departs from/Returns to Osaka | 2 Days / 1 Night

Welcome to Nara, the spiritual heartland of Japan and a cradle of prayer and tradition.
This exclusive journey offers a rare opportunity to experience premium mindfulness meditation at Kōfuku-ji, one of Nara’s most revered ancient temples, with over 1,300 years of history. The journey also includes special access to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Tōdai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, and Yakushi-ji, offering immersive spiritual and cultural activities throughout.
Travel from Osaka in style aboard the elegant and graceful "Mahoroba" limited express train, evoking the atmosphere of ancient Nara.
Spend the night at the legendary Nara Hotel, often called “The Guesthouse of Kansai,” and savor a refined dinner in its historic setting.
Immerse yourself in a serene and unforgettable retreat, where tradition meets tranquility.

For full journey details and reservations, click here

【Contact】
info@sekaiisangekijyou.com

Alex Kerr

Asian Culture Scholar, Professor at Kyoto University of Advanced Science

Born in the United States in 1952. First visited Japan in 1964. Studied JapaneseStudies at Yale University and Chinese Studies at Oxford University. He has resided in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture since 1977.

In 1973, he purchased "Chiiori," a 300-year-old thatched-roof farmhouse in the Iya Valley of Tokushima Prefecture, and has since been engaged in the restoration of traditional houses, having renovated approximately 50 properties. In 2024, he was awarded the Architectural Institute of Japan Cultural Award.

He actively promotes inbound tourism and cultural events. In 2008, he was appointed a Visit Japan Ambassador, and in 2019, received the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award from Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs.

Books: Lost Japan (1993), Dogs and Demons (2002), Nippon Keikan-ron (A Theory of Japanese Landscapes, 2014), Another Kyoto (2016), Nippon Junrei (Pilgrimage through Japan), among others.

For full journey details and reservations, click here

【Contact】 info@sekaiisangekijyou.com

Alex Kerr

【Contact】
info@sekaiisangekijyou.com