10.13.2007

Todaiji Buddhist Temple in Nara, Japan - a must see!


Tōdai-ji (東大寺), the Eastern Great Temple, is one of the most impressive temples in all Japan and it is atop my list of must-sees if you are visiting Japan. Not only does it house Japan’s largest statue of Buddha, but it is also the world’s largest wooden building!

Nara was the first capital of Japan in the 8th century, and is about an hour and a half drive from Kyoto. One of the first things I noted was the large Chinese Buddhist influence in this area. The atmosphere was much more intimate when compared to the more crowded Kyoto, and predates anything historically in Kyoto.

The temple is certainly worth the visit, and the huge iron-bronze Buddha figures are tremendous! Of the many temples throughout Japan, the Todaiji Temple is a must see.

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