A one-bay hall moved from Kawanishi
The Former Fukiji Temple Rakando (旧富貴寺羅漢堂, Fukiji Rakandō) in Horyuji Sannai, Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, is a one-bay hall built of late Heian-period timbers, dated between 1086 and 1184, and designated an Important Cultural Property on December 28, 1971.
One bay square and single-storey, it has a pyramidal roof covered in cypress bark. It originally stood at Fukiji in Hota, Kawanishi Village (now Kawanishi Town), Shiki District, Nara Prefecture.
Dismantled, treated and rebuilt
According to the national database, the hall had been dismantled and kept in storage since 1935. Its timbers decayed badly in storage, but chemical treatment by the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties made them usable again, and the hall was re-erected in the grounds of Horyuji with its lost platform, fittings and roof made good.
The columns and bearing blocks are judged to be Heian work. Few buildings share this history: removed from its home, stored for decades, conserved and then rebuilt at another temple.
Heian timbers in a small hall
It is a tiny one-bay hall whose pyramidal roof rises to a single point. Under the soft bark roof, Heian-period columns and blocks carry the techniques of their time.
Fukiji still exists in Kawanishi, with another of its buildings designated. It is unrelated to the Fukiji in Ōita Prefecture, written with the same characters.
Visiting
The Former Fukiji Temple Rakando stands in the Horyuji grounds and is seen from outside; the interior is not open.
Hours, tickets and directions are on the Horyuji page.
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Q&A
- Why is the Former Fukiji Temple Rakando at Horyuji?
- It stood at Fukiji in Kawanishi, was dismantled and stored from 1935, and after chemical conservation was rebuilt in the Horyuji grounds.
- How old is the Former Fukiji Rakando?
- Its columns and blocks are late Heian-period timbers, dated between 1086 and 1184.
- What does the Former Fukiji Rakando look like?
- A one-bay square hall with a pyramidal cypress-bark roof.
- Can you go inside the Former Fukiji Rakando?
- No. It is seen from outside.
- Is the Former Fukiji Temple Rakando an Important Cultural Property?
- Yes. It was designated on December 28, 1971.
Basic Information
| Name | Former Fukiji Temple Rakando (Fukiji Rakandō) |
|---|---|
| Location | Horyuji Sannai, Ikaruga, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property |
| Year Designated | 1971/12/28 (Showa 46) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | 1 by 1 bay, single storey, pyramidal roof, cypress-bark roof |
| Owner | Horyuji Temple |
| Public Access | Exterior only |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties — Former Fukiji Rakando
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/2734
- Cultural Heritage Online — Former Fukiji Rakando
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/db/heritages/detail/147931
Last verified: 2026.10.01
