The direct ancestor of the Kofukuji Temple was the Yamashinadera Temple built originally in Yamashiro, southern Kyoto. It was founded by Kamatari Fujiwara's wife who respected the deceased husband's wishes. It was transferred to Asuka later, and renamed Umayasakadera Temple. It was moved to its present location after the capital was transferred to Heijo-kyo in third year of Wado (710). The temple was renamed this time the Kofukuji Temple. It prospered as the temple of the Fujiwara family, with more than 170 temple buildings.

The five-storied pagoda whose image is reflected on the pond of Sarusawa is a landscape that represents Nara. All the temple buildings in the precincts were reconstructed after the Kamakura period, and most of them are designated as national treasure or an important cultural property.

A 15-minute walk from JR Nara Station or a 6-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.