Tōdai-ji

Todaiji Temple is located on the north side of Nara Park, also known as Dahuayan Temple, Jinguangguang Sitianwang Huguo Temple, etc. It was established in 728 by Emperor Shengmu who believed in Buddhism. The Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple is the largest ancient wooden building in the world. Inside the hall is a statue of Lucena Buddha about 16 meters high, which is the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world. As a landmark of Nara, it is always packed with tour groups and students from all over Japan. The entire Todaiji Temple covers a wide area. In addition to the Great Buddha Hall, there are many unmissable sights, including the South Gate, Eryuetang, Sanyuetang, Zhengcangyuan, etc. Before visiting the main hall, remember to take a look at the south gate. There are two huge Niwang statues on both sides of the gate. They are more than 8 meters high, look fierce, and are very beautifully carved and vivid. There is a Todaiji Museum on the west side of the South Gate, where you can learn about the history of Todaiji and watch cultural relics. Entering from the west side of the south gate, you can reach the main hall of the Todai Temple - the Great Buddha Hall, also known as the Golden Hall. Standing in front of the Great Buddha Hall, you will definitely feel its shock, majestic and revealing a simple charm. The existing Great Buddha Hall was built in 1709. Although it is the largest ancient wooden building in the world, it is only about two-thirds of the original building. Walking into the Great Buddha Hall, you can see the bronze statue of Lucena Buddha more than 10 meters high, which has a strong visual impact. After centuries of vicissitudes, the head of the Big Buddha has been stolen several times. If you look closely, you will find that the color of the head and body is slightly different. The hall also enshrines the Void Tibetan Bodhisattva, Ruyi Wheel Avalokitesvara and so on. Walking around the Buddha statue, you will see a hole at the bottom of a wooden pillar, called "Buddha's nose", it is said that if you can pass through it, you will get peace and happiness. Usually there will be many children waiting in line here, if adults also want to try it will be more difficult, but fortunately a staff will pull you out. In addition, you may wish to go to the model of Todaiji Temple to study the scene of the temple in its heyday. Climb up and overlook the Great Buddha Hall and go to the Ergakudo on the top of the eastern hill, where you can overlook the scenery of Nara, especially at dusk. Turn left outside the exit of the Great Buddha Hall, walk along the fence through the pond, and then walk up the mountain along the stone road. The scenery along the way is very charming. Soon you will reach the platform at the top of the mountain, where there is Er Yue Tang. A few steps further south is Sanyuedo (Hokaido), an ancient building of Todaiji Temple, which houses some exquisite statues from the Nara period. When you walk into Todai-ji Temple or take a walk in the temple, you can see deer all over the place. If you come here in spring and autumn, it is also a very elegant experience to enjoy the cherry blossoms or red maples while strolling.