TOP ＞ Major Conservation of a Five-Storied Pagoda
Major Conservation of a Five-Storied Pagoda while
Envisioning the Flow of Time over Centuries and Millennia
Photographed in May 2024
The graceful eaves and the stately character of the massive wooden structure — Kohfukuji Temple’s five-storied pagoda, a national treasure, is looked up to from afar by tourists visiting Nara, who capture it in photographs as a memento of their journey. Standing at approximately 50 meters tall, it is the second tallest wooden pagoda in Japan, following the five-storied pagoda of Toji Temple in Kyoto, also a national treasure, which stands at about 55 meters. Even today, it is the tallest building in Nara Prefecture. Its founding dates back to the Nara period, and it has burned down and been reconstructed multiple times due to wars and lightning strikes. The current pagoda is the sixth one, constructed in 1426 during the Muromachi period. For approximately 600 years since, it has withstood numerous crises, such as natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes, as well as shifts in eras like a movement to abolish Buddhism. It continues to convey an ancient landscape in the present day. The precious pagoda, layered with the memories and prayers of people and serving as a beautiful symbol of the ancient capital, is undergoing its first major conservation and preservation work since 1901. In other words, the last time that major conservation were carried out date back to the Meiji period.
Wooden structures require regular maintenance. In 2020, an inspection by the Nara Prefecture Cultural Property Conservation Office, which is responsible for the preservation and repair of cultural heritage buildings, revealed misaligned and damaged roof tiles on the five-storied pagoda. Based on advice from the specialist repair committee, with members from the temple, the Agency for Cultural Affairs, and experts, a repair policy has been set to ensure the pagoda is properly passed on to the next generation. Comprehensive plans and various reinforcement tasks are underway, including the complete re-roofing of tiles, repairs to wooden parts, fixing peeled plaster walls, and inspecting the condition of structural components. Deformations have also been discovered in components called daito located atop the pillars at the four corners of the first tier, indicating that the repairs will likely be more extensive than initially anticipated.
In March 2025, the construction of a scaffolding structure called suyane (a temporary protective covering for construction) was completed to allow work to proceed with protection from the elements, marking the full commencement of the repair process. The pagoda was completely surrounded by a steel enclosure approximately 60 meters high. While the temporary closure of the landmark may be disappointing, there is growing anticipation for new academic discoveries that may arise from the investigations to be carried out during the repairs. It is precisely because of these irregular circumstances that this becomes a special time to reflect on the preservation of cultural heritage.
Roof tiles that were replaced during the previous repair. Some tiles bear the name of the Muromachi period.
Photographed in August 2025
Major conservation for the next generation
"A five-storied pagoda is a pagoda constructed to enshrine the relics (sacred remains) of the Buddha, who is the founder of Buddhism. It represents the Buddha himself. Due to its height, it stands out even from a distance, and can be seen from anywhere by those living in the capital. It is thought to have given viewers a sense of reassurance, as if they were embraced by compassion. Moreover, these structures are valuable not only for their religious significance but also for conveying the advanced architectural techniques, cultural sophistication, and spirituality of the time. We hope to complete the conservation successfully with the understanding, agreement, and cooperation of many people," says Eishun Moriya, the head priest of Kohfukuji Temple, age 75.
Inside the pagoda, the Yakushi Triad, Shaka Triad, Amida Triad, and Miroku Triad are placed around the central pillar. (Photographed in October 2022)
He describes the feeling of being here for the timing of the major Reiwa conservation, the first conservation in about 120 years, "as a stroke of luck, but with a sense of tension in thinking that the pagoda must be safely passed on to the next generation. This is because the current pagoda is entwined in countless relationships," he said, tightening his expression. Public viewings of the construction progress and symposiums are also being held, and in the fall, a special exhibition titled "Expressing Prayer, Capturing Form: Buddhist Sculptures by UNKEI from the Northern Round Hall of Kohfukuji Temple" is scheduled to take place at the Tokyo National Museum. The plan is to engage with people through various events and broadly promote awareness. Additionally, tours and experiences that allow for a deeper understanding of Kohfukuji and Japanese culture are also being offered.
The five-storied pagoda as a witness to history
In 710, the capital was moved from Fujiwara-kyo, the first real capital of Japan, to Heijo-kyo. During a period when the ritsuryo state system was completed and many palaces and temples in the continental Chinese style were built, incorporating cultures from India, Persia, and Arabia, a cosmopolitan Tenpyo culture flourished — this is when Kohfukuji was constructed in Nara. The splendid architecture that adorned the capital served as a symbol of the ruler's authority both domestically and abroad. Kohfukuji Temple is closely associated with Fujiwara no Kamatari, the forefather of the influential aristocratic Fujiwara clan, and his son Fuhito, who played a major role in the relocation of the capital to Heijo-kyo. The five-storied pagoda is said to have been commissioned by Fuhito's daughter, Empress Komyo, and was constructed in 730.
"Cultural heritage is not only attractive as art but also serves as a witness to history. The five-storied pagoda embodies the historical context, the craftsmanship of the artisans, and the environment and religious significance of the temple at the time," says Satoshi Unno, an associate professor at the University of Tokyo specializing in Japanese architectural history and a member of the specialist committee. "Kohfukuji has been destroyed by fire and rebuilt multiple times, continually incorporating the technologies of each era into its improvements, yet always preserving the Nara period style as it accumulated its history. This commitment to upholding tradition and precedent is a rare characteristic when viewed in the context of historical architecture worldwide. Additionally, the five-storied pagoda has undergone several repairs since its reconstruction in the medieval period, but it is presumed that none of these involved significantly replacing the timber. In the philosophy of the current conservation, preserving intact sections and not compromising the original value are the most important themes. Repairs on cultural properties cannot be redone. It is crucial to conduct thorough investigations and continuously verify if the current strategy is correct to avoid progressing hastily and creating irreversible situations," Unno says, emphasizing the importance of ongoing analysis and a flexible response. By investigating the types of wood used, their origins, and procurement routes, he hopes that new insights might be gained into the distribution conditions and forest environment of the time.
Photographed in May 2023
On a scale of centuries and millennia
The completion of repairs is currently scheduled for March 2034. Associate Professor Unno states: "Some people may think it takes a long time, but considering the five-storied pagoda as it remains and how long Kohfukuji’s history is, it’s only a few years. Moreover, when viewed from the scale of a millennium, encompassing the history of Nara and Japan, our work is merely a single frame within that vast timeline. However, these efforts contribute to preserving cultural assets for the future. Being able to discern what things need to be done now and what can be entrusted to the future is also very important."
Kohfukuji's Chief Priest Moriya calmly states: "All things are impermanent; nothing stays unchanged in this world. Given my age, I'm wondering if I will be able to see it through to the end. I find myself with a mix of emotions, feeling both motivated to get it done and at the same time eager to keep up with the inspiring younger generation, even if it means struggling a bit to do so (laughs). I don't know if the next major conservation will be in 100 or 200 years, but I hope to pass something on that will last until then."
Photographed in June 2025
The major conservation of the five-storied pagoda are being performed while envisioning time scales that cannot be measured within a single lifetime, spanning centuries and even millennia. Upon reflection, it’s thanks to our numerous predecessors who have continued to make conservation for the future that we are now able to imagine the scenery of the Tenpyo and the thoughts of medieval people. This endeavor is now underway in Nara, telling a magnificent tale of romance.
Japan Arts Council
Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan
