Kofukuji's famous five-story pagoda is going to be under wraps until 2031! While it's great they're taking care of this historic treasure (it's been standing since 1426!), seeing scaffolding and covers instead of Japan's second-tallest wooden pagoda isn't quite the same experience.

At 50 meters tall, this pagoda is usually Nara's defining landmark, second only to Toji's pagoda in Kyoto for height. But with both the pagoda covered up and the Eastern Golden Hall closed, we decided to save this one for a future trip.