Temples and other historical places in Nara: Dec.3-5, 202

I visited the ancient city of Nara in late autumn. Nara became Japan's capital in the 8th century and is rich in historical heritage. During my stay, I visited many temples and shrines, encountered countless national treasures, and learned many on Japanese history and culture.

 

Heijo-kyo was built in Nara in 710, making it the capital of Japan. Although the capital was moved to Kyoto (Heian-kyo) in 794, Nara continued to flourish as one of Japan's most important cities.

Nara is home to many famous temples and shrines. 

Todai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine are located in the current central area of Nara City. This area is now known as Nara Park, where numerous deer are kept. I saw many foreign tourists and Japanese students on school trips.

 

Todai-ji Temple was built in the first half of the 8th century and is famous for the Great Buddha of Nara. The original statue was completed in 752 as a prayer for peace for the nation and its people. It repeatedly suffered damages from earthquakes and wars, then was subsequently repaired. It stands 15 meters high. Many people, including groups of elementary school students, exclaimed in surprise. (See also the top photo)

 

The Great Buddha Hall (Kondo), where the Great Buddha is enshrined, is 49 meters high and 57 meters wide. It is the largest wooden building in the world.

 

The main gate (the Great South Gate) houses Nio statues, masterpieces of carving in Kamakura period (late 12th century-1333).

 In front of the gate, deer begged visitors for food. (See the 4th photo from the top)

 

Kasuga Shrine was built in the late 8th century. Deer are considered messengers of the gods, and many reside within the shrine grounds.

 

Kofuku-ji Temple was built in the early 8th century and has since endured numerous wars and disasters. It is famous for 50-meter-high five-story pagoda. The pagoda is undergoing major restoration work from 2023 to 2034. It was covered with construction cover.

 

The remains of Heijo-kyo locate about 5 kilometers west of Nara Park. Several palaces and gates have been restored within the vast green space.

 

Yakushiji Temple and Toshodaiji Temple locate in the southwest area of the Heijo-kyo ruins.

Yakushiji Temple was originally founded in the Asuka region and moved to its current location during the Nara period. 

The eastern pagoda retains its beautiful appearance from its construction in the 8th century. The western pagoda was rebuilt in 1981. (See als the 3rd photo)

Toshodaiji Temple was founded by Ganjin, a famous Tang monk who was invited to Japan during the Nara period. Buildings such as the Golden Hall (Kondo) convey the culture of the Nara period.

 

Horyu-ji Temple is located in Ikaruga Town, about 20 kilometers southwest of central Nara. Originally constructed in the 7th century, the temple was rebuilt in the early 8th century. It boasts the world's oldest wooden buildings. (See also the 2nd photo)

 

There locate buildings such as the Golden Hall, five-story pagoda, and South Gate, in the western area of the temple.

The five-story pagoda is the oldest surviving pagoda in Japan and stands 31 meters tall.

 

The Golden Hall (Kondo) houses the famous Shaka Triad and other statues.

 

Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Horyuji Temple, Yakushiji Temple, Toshodaiji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine are all registered as World Heritage Sites. These temples and shrines convey history and culture dating back 1300 years. I fully experienced it.

The autumn color was also beautiful. (See also the 5th photo) 

I had a good time.