Buddhist temple
Fukū-in
不空院（ふくういん）
Nara, Nara Prefecture
A temple of the Shingon Risshū in Takabatake-chō, Nara, whose principal image is Fukūkenjaku Kannon. It is also known for faith in Benzaiten, its guardian deity, and for its history as a refuge temple (kakekomi-dera) for women.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal image: Fukūkenjaku Kannon
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, this is regarded as a place where the priest Ganjin lived, and it is said to have begun when, in the Kōnin era, Kūkai recommended building an octagonal hall that served as the model for the Nan'endō of Kōfuku-ji, though the temple notes that this is not certain. The octagonal hall collapsed in the great Ansei earthquake, and in the Taishō era the priest 三谷弘厳 restored the temple by building the present main hall on its foundation stones.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 不空院「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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