The Todai-ji Temple is located in the city of Nara and is one of the largest wooden structures in the world. It is also one of Japan’s largest temples. Its history can be traced back to the Nara period when it was ordered to be built by Emperor Shomu. The temple was originally named Kokubun-ji but was later changed to its current name, Todai-ji. Todai-ji is famous for its Daibutsuden, which houses a colossal bronze Buddha statue. This statue stands approximately 15 meters tall and weighs around 500 tons, making it the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world.
On my second visit to Todai-ji Temple, I remember coming from the front the first time. But this time, I decided to approach it from the back… Walking over here, it seems like I can reach Nigatsu-do, Sangatsu-do, and Tamukeyama Hachiman Shrine.
Here, I accidentally encountered a deer…
Getting ready to enter Todai-ji… (without passing through the Nandaimon). I’ve heard that Todai-ji’s history can be traced back over 700 years… But hey, I’m not a historian, so let’s not get into that~ To enter Todai-ji, the admission ticket is only ¥600.
In Zhongmen, you can first see these two special statues. This is the statue of Tobatsu Bishamonten (Japanese: 兜跋毘沙門天).
This is the statue of the Jikokuten (Japanese: 持国天).
Entering the Daibutsuden, the Daibutsuden is the world’s largest wooden structure, with a width of 57 meters and a depth of 50 meters.
The above is called “Shibi” in Chinese, derived from the traditional Chinese architecture’s “吻獸”. Many temples in Japan also have this Shibi, however, many castles in Japan also have similar architecture, but they are called “Shachi” (imagining a fish-like sea creature with a tiger head, fish body, and an upward tail fin, the most famous being Nagoya Castle).
Enter the Daibutsuden and since it’s my second visit, let’s explore some different areas… Take a look at the roof, it truly exudes a sense of antiquity.
There is a shovel placed by the door.
Incense burner…carried by three little ghosts.
The Great Buddha, it is said that the seated Great Buddha is 15 meters tall, and the bronze pedestal underneath is also 3 meters tall. It is truly magnificent.
What a special thing…
After taking a look, it seems like this is depicting the feeling of the gods and Buddhas in the sky observing the beings on the ground.
Kokuzo Bosatsu (Japanese: 虚空蔵菩薩)
The statue of the Komokuten (Japanese: 広目天)
Model of Todai-ji Temple
This is made by people from the prison.
This method of preservation is so strange… Onigawara (Japanese: 鬼瓦) is the second thing that interests me… What I’m most interested in is that “Shibi”…
Famous Little Hole…
The statue of the Bishamonten (Japanese: 毘沙門天).
There are also Ema here…
Of course, selling things is essential~ And it’s right inside the palace, which is really thoughtful~
There is also a writing service… (error)
The Omamori here include “Passing the Entrance Exam” and “Qualified Amulet”. “Passing the Entrance Exam” is mainly for school exams, while “Qualified Amulet” is less specific in its purpose.
Above is a brief account of my second visit to Todai-ji Temple~
For more attractions in Nara, please refer to the Kansai attractions page.
Todai-ji Temple Ticket/Visiting Hours/Transportation Methods (Official Website)
Ticket: ¥600
Visiting hours: April to October 07:30-17:30, November to March 08:00-17:00
Transportation: Take the Nara Transportation Bus to “Todai-ji Daibutsuden, National Museum” and walk for about 10 minutes (if you don’t stop to play with the deer)
Map:
『Original Source：https://nicklee.tw/1072/』
