Toshodai-ji Mieido (Founder’s Hall, Old Ichijo-in Shinden) — Local services in Nara

Toshodai-ji Mieido, also known as the Founder’s Hall or the Old Ichijo-in Shinden, is an important structure within Toshodai-ji, a historic Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan. Toshodai-ji was founded in 759 by the Chinese monk Ganjin, who played a crucial role in spreading Buddhism in Japan. The Mieido serves as a hall dedicated to him, honoring his legacy.

The building originally belonged to Ichijo-in, a sub-temple of Kofuku-ji, and was later relocated to Toshodai-ji. This move helped preserve the structure, which is now an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The hall showcases traditional Heian-period architectural elements, including an elegant shinden-zukuri style, characterized by wooden pillars, a raised floor, and a thatched roof. Inside, the hall enshrines a statue of Ganjin, a revered figure in Japanese Buddhism.

Toshodai-ji itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains a significant destination for those interested in Japanese history, architecture, and Buddhist culture. The Mieido, as part of this heritage, represents both religious devotion and the preservation of classical architecture. Visitors can experience the serene and historical atmosphere that has been carefully maintained for centuries, making it a meaningful site for cultural...

I went to see the Fusuma paintings at Miedo in June. Ganjin Wajo wooden statue was small. It is said that Kaii Higashiyama visited China many times while looking at the wooden statue of Ganjin Wajo on the other side of the fusuma painting, and while sketching various places, he got the idea. Kaii Higashiyama paints the scenery of China that he had seen in his home country, and the scenery of Japan that he would have seen if he had not lost his sight, having lost his eyesight after traveling eight times. My heart trembled at the splendid fusuma painting that the artist's heart was fused into one. It started to rain quietly halfway through, but it was a precious moment that reminded me of my old heart. (Thankfully, they shared [Bonamikai...

年に３日だけ、国宝の《鑑真和上坐像》とお会いできるまたとない機会。天気が良かったので、先に紹介した法華寺から、今回は徒歩で向かいました。巡礼の意味を込めて、敢えて交通手段は利用しません。 歩くこと５０分ほどで、到着。ここで「うっかり八兵衛」。事前情報が足らなかったようで、通常拝観料（１，０００円）とは別に「御影堂特別拝観料」（１，０００円）が必要とのことでした。 さらに「八兵衛②」。すんなり拝観できると思いきや、まさかの１時間半待ち。１４：００〜１５：００の時間帯の拝観となりました。それでも少し前の１３：５０に入場できました。 東山魁夷氏の障壁画で囲まれた御堂中央に、《鑑真和上》のお姿が。順番待ちなのか、正座をして少しづつ前に進み、正面ヘ。日本最古の肖像の仏像で、国宝に指定されています。荘厳な風格が漂っていました。 ほかの３６２日は「平成の和上」と呼ばれる忠実に復元した像を、開山堂というところで拝観可能です。 帰りに金堂の御本尊【盧遮那仏立像】、【十一面千手観音立像】、【薬師如来立像】に御挨拶をして、京都駅に向かいました...