Daibatsu-den Hall

The Todai-Ji Temple complex is considered to be the top tourism attraction in Nara. There is much to see here, and the complex is large, including some uphill walks to fascinating shrines and temples. You begin at the Nandai-mon gate, which leads to the main temple area. Encased in huge chicken-wire boxes are two wooden sculptures that aren’t to be missed. Carved in the 13^th century, they depict mammoth wooden Nio-guardians. The carved images are magnificent but carry an enormous layer of dust. Because of the dust and the chicken wire, they’ll be best preserved in your mind, rather than your camera.

Dainichi Buddha image

The Daibatsu-den Hall is said to be the largest wooden building in the world, a claim made about at least one other Japanese building. Make no mistake, it’s huge, and houses the Daibatsu Buddha image, one of the most famous in Japan. It represents the Dainichi Buddha, and is 45 feet tall, crafted from 437 tons or bronze and 130 kilograms of gold. There are two other stunning golden images that flank Daibatsu, and several other notable wooden sculptures, among them the Koumoko-ten, to the left of the main altar.

Stone laanterns at Saigatsu Hall

After departing Daibatsu-den, a short walk up the hill behind the lake brings you to two important sub-halls, part of the Todai-Ji complex. Sangatsu-do Hall is also known as Hokke-Do Hall, and is the oldest structure at Todai-Ji. Ten enormous carved wooden statues are the reason you’ll want to visit. The focal point is the Fukukensaku Kannon. protexcted by Shukongo-jin, Kongo-rikishi warriors. A short walk from Sangatsu-do is Nigatsu-do Hall, its veranda commanding a wonderful view of Nara. Both of these halls are surrounded by lanterns. Stone pedestal lanterns are everywhere, cared for by a team of attendants constantly at work repairing and replacing paper windows. On the verandas, don’t fail to notice the fine metalwork of the hanging lanterns.

The Todai-Ji complex is at the easternmost point of the municipal walk that’s well-marked in Nara. Most of the atmosphere that you’ll remember, though, is up on the hill, at the Nigatsu-do and Sangatsu-do Halls.

Todai-Ji GPS: N34°41’19’’  E135°50’23’’
Nigatsu-do Hall  GPS: N34°59’14’’  E135°44’36’’
Sangatsu-do Hall GPS: N34°40’53’’  E135°50’53’’