Thu, Dec 5, 2024
An online visual guide has been developed to facilitate self-guided tours on the premises of Kofuku-ji temple in Nara, and is readily accessible for visitors, domestic and international. All the visitors need do is read with their mobile devices the 2D barcodes displayed on signboards in several locations on temple grounds to see a map of the area, view high-definition VR images of the Five-storied Pagoda (a government-designated national treasure of Japan) and other ancient buildings, and read about their history, highlights and other descriptions.
2D barcodes can be found in the following locations:
– Front of Nan’en-do (Southern Round Hall)
*Use Keyword provided at site to access guide
– Kita-sando (North Approach) entrance
– Front of Honbo (Administrative Headquarters)
– Paved pathway in front of Kokuho-kan (National Treasure Hall)
On site, the Nandaimon (Great South Gate, indicated as “Southern Great Gate” on the visual guide), which burned down during the Edo period (17th-19th century) in 1717, is only left with its foundation. However, users of the visual guide will be able to see VR images of how it must have looked like when the entire structure was still there.
The Three-storied Pagoda (another designated national treasure), which was rebuilt during the Kamakura period (12th-14th century) and is one of the oldest buildings on the premises, is known for the brilliant coloring of its inner walls with floral arabesque patterns, most of which has been lost due to deterioration. VR images on the online visual guide will let viewers experience the sense of seeing the colorful decorations in its original state.
The 50 meters tall Five-storied Pagoda is undergoing large-scale restoration for the first time in about 120 years, and is currently hidden from public view under a steel frame structure. VR images of the tower before it was covered can be seen on the online visual guide to make up for the missing view. What’s more, augmented reality functions will allow visitors to take photos of themselves with the tower in the background.
The guide is available in two languages, Japanese and English.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun and other sources)
Learn more about Kofuku-ji:
(AD sponsored by the Japan Arts Council and the Agency
Special Trip to Experience Traditional Japanese
Culture and History in the Ancient Capital of Nara
for Cultural Affairs posted on The Japan News website)
Find cultural tours in Nara including Kofuku-ji:
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