NARA -- Horyuji temple in the town of Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, raised about 146 million yen through crowdfunding from June to July, more than seven times the target of 20 million yen.
The UNESCO World Heritage site began soliciting donations on June 15 to cover the costs of pruning trees and repairing undesignated cultural properties in preparation for next year's 30th anniversary of its UNESCO listing.
The number of group visits to the temple, including school excursions, has significantly declined amid the coronavirus pandemic, causing revenue from admission fees to plummet.
The target amount was surpassed in half a day, and more than 100 million yen was raised in less than 10 days.
According to the crowdfunding platform's website, 7,449 people donated money by 11 p.m. on Friday, when the donation period ended.
According to the temple, more than 150 million yen, including donations paid into the temple's bank account, was raised, and the total amount will be announced on the website on or after Aug. 6.
"I'm grateful to the many people who wish to protect Horyuji and help pass it on to future generations," said Horyuji chief steward Shobo Ono. "I get a new sense of the obligation of our temple."
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