Toshodai-ji — Attraction in Nara

In the morning, we took a bus to Tōshōdai-ji. This temple was a Buddhist temple which was gesigned and built by Chinese monk Jianzhen. The temple was already 1,300 years old and was an very important model for professionals to study the ancient architectures in Tang Dynasty, assessed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Before entering, we lift our heads to see the gate of Tōshōdai-ji, there was a long-historic plaque written 4 Chinese of "Tōshōdai-ji" on it. It was said that the 4 words were copied from the handwriting of great Chinese calligrapher Wang Xizhi by the Japanese emperor in the Nara period . When we entered the temple, we could see lots of great ancient architectures and treasures. The Golden Hall was quite magnificent, with simple tones, which appeared the characteristics of the Tang Dynasty architecture. In the other architecture, we saw a dry paint statue of monk Jianzhen, and we heard that this technology has been lost. In the Lecture Hall, we saw many treasures displayed such as the Chiwen usually decorated on the roof of temple or palace was as high as an adult showed that the craft level at that time was very high. It was worthy to mention that the Tōshōdai-ji provided APP for mobile phone downloading. Visitors could follow the APP to guide themselves, very good service! However, a male administrator in the Lecture Hall was too small minded. As long as the child put his hand on the guardrail used to separate tourists and treasures, he would shout loudly, so many visitors hurried to finish visiting and brought their child to leave the spot. Is this not contrary to the Buddhist spirit of tolerance? It was ridiculous!! Tōshōdai-ji was not small, we stayed in the temple for more than two hours and left for next...

Toshodai-ji Namdaimon (Grand South Gate) is an impressive architectural feature located at the entrance to Toshodai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nara, Japan. Founded in 759 by the Chinese monk Ganjin, Toshodai-ji is renowned as a pivotal center for the introduction of Ritsu Buddhism to Japan, and the Namdaimon serves as a symbolic threshold to this historic and sacred site.

The Namdaimon exemplifies traditional Japanese Buddhist gate design, blending simplicity and grandeur. Constructed primarily of wood, the gate reflects the architectural elegance of the Nara period (710–794), with its harmonious proportions, tiered roof, and detailed carvings. It stands as a testament to the master craftsmanship of the era, embodying both structural strength and spiritual significance.

As visitors pass through the Namdaimon, they are greeted by an atmosphere of tranquility, signaling their transition from the secular world to the sacred precincts of the temple. The gate’s large, open design invites light and air, creating a welcoming and serene environment that complements the temple’s ethos of harmony and mindfulness.

The Namdaimon also serves as a prelude to Toshodai-ji’s treasures, including the Golden Hall (Kondō) and the Lecture Hall (Kōdō), which house magnificent statues and artifacts. While often overshadowed by these landmarks, the Namdaimon remains a vital part of the temple’s identity, standing as a symbolic guardian of its cultural and spiritual heritage, and an enduring connection to Nara’s...

A bit ways off from the usual Nara old city and park and attractions, this temple sits on the west side of Nara station and literally in the middle of rice paddies fields (yes still). This temple, however, is no less significant than todaiji or any other temples in Nara or Kyoto, being the home temple to the famed Chinese master Ganjin came over to Japan over 1200 years ago. He has been celebrated for centuries in jaoan, yet few in communist China today knows much of this history--what a pity. Ganjin's final live cast statue is considered a national treasure which only was open to public views 3 days in a year to the public which we were lucky enough to be here for it. Just an amazing experience.

For those who are revered in history, this is a special place absolutely worth the visit...