Todaiji is a Buddhist temple complex that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples, located in the city of Nara. The construction of the temple was an attempt to imitate Chinese temples from the much-admired Tang dynasty. Though it was originally founded in the year 738 CE, Todaiji was not opened until the year 752 CE. The temple has undergone several reconstructions since then, with the most significant reconstruction (that of the Great Buddha Hall) taking place in 1709.
1. Todaiji main walkway: N 34° 41.042 E 135° 50.401
Upon arriving at Todaiji Temple, you will be greeted by deer from the nearby Nara Park. The deer are accustomed to tourists and will often approach you in search of shika senbei. The deer that inhabit Nara are Sika deer or spotted deer and are also known as bowed deer because they often bow their heads before being fed. Shika senbei are special biscuits made for deer and sold on site for 150 yen.
2. Namdaimon: N 34° 41.142 E 135° 50.393
Along the approach to Todaiji stands the Grand South Gate "Namdaimon Gate", a large wooden gate watched over by two fierce looking statues. Representing the Nio Guardian Kings, the statues are designated national treasures together with the gate itself.
3. Shichijunoto Sorin : N 34° 41.282 E 135° 50.464
If you have ever admired Japanese pagodas, you have probably noticed the intricate structures that decorate the top, called sorin. Because they're located at the top of the pagoda, sorin are usually hard to see. But at Todai-ji Temple, you can get a close-up look at a dismantled sorin, the one that decorated the replica of Todai-ji's seven-story pagoda that was built for the 1970 Osaka World Expo. After the Expo, the sorin was put on display at Todai-ji Temple, near Daibutsuden Hall. (
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4. Hakkaku toro: N 34° 41.307 E 135° 50.392
The octagonal bronze lantern "hakkaku tôrô" dates from the founding of Tôdai-ji. It is classified as a national treasure. It is located in front of Daibutsuden Hall. We can see it in our fourth photo.
5. Daibutsuden: N 34° 41.319 E 135° 50.391
The Great Buddha Hall "Daibutsuden" has been rebuilt twice after a fire. The current building was completed in 1709 and, although immense, 57 meters long, 50 meters wide and 49 meters high, it is actually 30% smaller than its predecessor, having been reduced from 11 to 7 bays wide due to lack of funds. Until 1998, it was the largest wooden building in the world.
6. Buddha Vairocana: N 34° 41.340 E 135° 50.391
The Daibutsuden houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The 15 meters tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas.