After walking around Nara Park and stopping to smell the cherry blossoms, we continued on to Todaiji Temple also known as the Great Eastern Temple, to see one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha. Like the deer, Todaiji is a landmark of Nara.
The temple was constructed in 752 and was the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples in Japan. It actually burned down a couple of times and the current building is the third reconstruction. According to the back of the ticket, the main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall) is currently 33% smaller than the original hall, but it still ranks as the world’s largest wooden structure!!
Before reaching the temple, you will find a few souvenir shops, the Nandaimon Gate and of course hundreds of hungry deer looking for shika senbei, the ¥150 special crackers.
Can you tell I was obsessed with this little boy? So darn cute!!
All the deer themed omiyage (souvenir) from Nara!
I promise this deer is real! Just casually modeling in front of the UNESCO sign!
Todaiji Temple
This pillar has a hole in its base that is the same size as the Daibutsu’s nostril. Those who can squeeze through this opening are believed to be granted enlightenment in their next life.
The size of Buddha’s open hand is as tall as a human being.
This is one of Buddha’s disciples, Pindola, who is believed to have excelled in the mastery of occult powers. It is commonly believed in Japan that if you rub a specific part of the statue and then proceed to rub that same spot on your body that your ailments will disappear.
This sign is probably my favorite thing!! Haha
Kofukiji Temple
Kofukuji Temple was our last pit stop before heading to dinner at Sakura Burger outside the train station.
Here’s a map of the places we visited while around Nara Park:
More Spring in Japan posts:
Osaka Castle Park | Kimonos in Higashiyama | Why You Should Rent A Kimono | Kyoto Gyoen | The Silver Pavilion | Todai-ji + Kofuku-ji | Fushimi Inari Taisha | Arashiyama |