LET’S ENJOY NARA PARK, TODAIJI, KASUGA TAISHA, DEER, JAPAN

NARA TODAIJI

Todaiji Temple (東大寺) is well known for its “Daibutsu” or “Great Buddha” is a representative temple in Nara prefecture. The building of the great buddha hall (Daibutsu-den) is the largest wooden structure in the world. In 1998, Todaiji is registered as a world heritage site. There are several museum and attractions around the Todaiji.

Nara Todaiji, Opening hours, Entrance fee

Todaiji Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden)

The Great Buddha Hall is the main building of Todaiji. The Great Buddha is called “Daibutsusan” by many people (Daibutsu means a big buddha). The Great Buddha Hall is the largest wooden building in the world.

Vairocana Buddha (Daibutsu), pillar hole, height,

Buddha of Todaiji is the biggest sitting style and inside buddha in Japan. The height of Buddha is about 18 meters! However, why was Vairocana Buddha established? Please see below for the detail and reason.

Emperor Shomu promoted construction of provincial temples throughout Japan in order to eliminate social unrest of that time, such as repeated political changes and riots, with the power of Buddhism (idea of nation protection). On the other hand, the emperor decided to build a Great Buddha. As the principal image of Todaiji Temple, the construction of the world largest gilt bronze statue of Vairocana was started. In 752, the ceremony for opening the eyes of a newly-constructed image was conducted with great eclat.

https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/daibutsu/

There is a large pillar with a small hole in the Daibutsuden. If you can through the pillar hole, you will be happy. Let’s challenge!

NARA KASUGATAISHA SHRINE

Kasuga Taisha Shrine (春日大社) is impressive vivid red color. Kasuga Taisha is the most important Shinto shrine in Nara and Japan. Kasuga Taisha is located in close Todaiji Temple, can take about 20 minutes by walking from Todaiji to Kasuga Taisha.

TODAIJI NIGATSUDO

Nigatusdo (二月堂) was built in the Nara period, 8 century. The current structure was rebuilt in 1669. A visitor doesn’t have to pay entrance fee. There is a superb viewpoint on the terrace. The tourists can go to Nigatsudo for 24 hours.

TODAIJI SANGATSUDO

Sangatsudo (三月堂) was built in 740~747, the oldest structure while all buildings of Todaiji, called Hokkaido. The reason for being called Sangatsudo (Sangatsu means March) is that the ceremony was held in the hall in the third month of every year.

GET GOSHUIN NARA KANJI? BOOK? MEANING?

In the Nara Park and several temple and shrine, visitor can get and correct Goshuin (御朱印). Goshuin is an honorable stamp that used by people visiting shrines or temples. A monk writes a sign in kanji on the Goshuin book.

NARA DEER PARK, OPENING HOURS? ENTRANCE FEE?

NARA DEER BOW? ATTACK? BITE? PLASTIC BAGS?

Deer is usually a cute animal. Visitor can enjoy deer feeding. However, if you act to anger a deer, the deer might get angry to bow, attack and bite. Be careful not to offend the deer.

Recently, the deer ate garbage and died. Visitor are not allowed to throw away rubbish Nara deer park！