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Sightseeing around Todaiji Temple, including “Nigatsudo”, the famous Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) in Nara
Nara, the site of the capital more than 1,300 years ago, is still home to many historical buildings and World Heritage sites, and is a popular and recommended tourist destination where you can take a nostalgic stroll while immersing yourself in historical atmosphere.
Nara is always a nostalgic and relaxing place to visit.
In particular, the area around Nara Park is a must-see sightseeing spot with many attractions such as Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple, and a museum.
The Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple houses the famous Rushanabutsu, the Great Buddha of Nara. The Great Buddha Hall, also known as Todaiji Kondo, has been rebuilt several times since its construction, but it is still one of the largest wooden buildings in the world.
Walking east from the Great Buddha Hall, you can see the Sangatsudo Hall, where you can see valuable Buddhist statues, the Nigatsudo Hall, a fashionable antique building, and the beautifully shaped temple bell, among many other sights.
Also, while strolling around Todaiji Temple, you can see about 1,300 deer, which are believed to be the messengers of the gods, playing in Nara Park and look very cute.
Magnificent Nandaimon (South Gate) of Todaiji Temple
The first stop on the way to Todaiji Temple is Nandaimon, the entrance to the temple.
Nandaimon of Todaiji Temple is a very powerful gate with a heavy and dynamic atmosphere and a deep sense of history.
Huge statues of Kongorikishi are enshrined on both sides of Nandaimon.
The two A-Un statues, one open-mouthed and the other closed-mouthed, represent the beginning and the end of the world.
The enormity of the Kongorikishi statues and the power of their expressions were so great that it made me feel indescribably tense and scared.
The gate is said to be 25.46 meters high.
Deer in Nara Park were playing around Nandaimon.
Passing through Nandaimon to the Chumon (Central Gate) of Todaiji Temple
After passing through Nandaimon, Chumon of Todaiji Temple can be seen at the end of the long approach.
On the right side of the approach is the Todaiji Mirror Pond. Wataka, a freshwater bony fish of the carp family and a natural treasure, is said to inhabit the pond.
There is a small island in the pond where Benzaiten (Goddess of Mercy) is enshrined and a torii can be seen. It feels cool when there is a body of water.
Beautiful Chumon (Central Gate) (Important Cultural Property)
This gate is located in front of the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall). It was rebuilt in 1716. Both sides of the Chumon and the Daibutsuden are surrounded by a U-shaped circuit.
The contrast of vermilion paint and white walls is beautiful. The entrance is located on the left side of the Chumon.
People passing by were praying with their hands facing the Daibutsuden seen from the Chumon.
Visit the Great Buddha Hall 【Todaiji Temple Kondo】
It is a magnificent wooden statue structure built in the architectural style of the Song Dynasty. It also has an Eastern and Western atmosphere when viewed from all sides, including the Chumon.
The current Daibutsuden is the third building and was rebuilt in the Edo period. It is a fairly large building, but it is only two-thirds the size of the previous Daibutsuden.
In the Nara period (710-794), Emperor Shomu built the Todaiji Daibutsuden with Rushanabutsu as its principal image for those who believed in Rushanabutsu, the head priest of the Kegonkyō (Kegon Sutra).
In 752, the “Great Buddha Opening Ceremony” was grandly held.
The Nara period was a time of political upheaval, famine, bad harvests, and epidemics. Emperor Shomu built the Daibutsuden in the hope that people would be united in compassion and that both animals and plants would flourish.
The Origin and History of Todaiji Temple
Emperor Shomu ascended to the throne in February 724, and Crown Prince Motoishinnou was born in 727. In 728, however, Prince Motoishinnou died prematurely at the age of less than one year.
Emperor Shomu built Kinshozanji Temple, the predecessor of Todaiji Temple, to pray for the repose of the prince’s soul. (Kinshozanji was built at the foot of Mt. Wakakusa, east of the Daibutsuden.)
The Nara period was a time of splendor as the Tenpyo culture developed, but it was also a disastrous period marked by natural disasters, famine, and smallpox.
Emperor Shomu, who relied on the teachings of the Kegonkyō (Kegon Sutra) and saw that Rushanabutsu was worshipped, requested the construction of the Great Buddha Rushanabutsu.
In 741, an imperial decree was issued for the establishment of Kokubunji Temple in Yamato Province, and Kinshozan Temple was elevated, renamed Konkomyoji Temple, and designated as Kokubunji Temple.
In 745, Konkomyoji Temple built the Vairocana Daibutsu (Great Buddha), and in 749, the body of the Buddha was cast. At the same time, the Great Buddha Hall was built, followed by the construction of the West Pagoda, East Wing, Lecture Hall, and other structures to form the Todaiji temple complex.
The temple name “Todaiji” came to be used around 748.
The Daibutsuden of Todaiji Temple was destroyed by fire twice due to lightning strikes and warfare, and has been rebuilt. The first time it was destroyed by fire in the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and was soon restored. The second time, it was destroyed by fire during the Warring States Period and was not restored until the Edo Period.
The Daibutsuden was reconstructed through the hard work of Priest Koukei, and in 1692, the “Great Buddha Opening Ceremony” was held.
In the 18th century, the Chumon and other structures were built, giving the temple its current appearance.
The Great Buddha and Kannon in Daibutsuden
According to the Kegon Sutra, Vairocana Buddha, who is considered to be the head of the school, is the Buddha Shakyamuni who has attained the truth of the universe and is the Buddha who illuminates the world. He is said to manifest wisdom of the universe with his left hand and compassion with his right hand.
In the Daibutsuden , you can see the Great Buddha sitting comfortably with a receptive expression on his face. The Daibutsuden is the largest statue of the Great Buddha Rushanabutsu, with long fingers and very beautiful hands.
The Great Buddha has been repaired several times, with the hands dating from the Momoyama period and the head from the Edo period.
The Daibutsuden also houses other statues such as the Kannon Bosatsu (Bodhisattva of Mercy), which is guarding the side of the temple. Although not as huge as the Daibutsuden, it is large enough to look up at.
This is a seated statue of Nyoirin Kannon. Her hair looks like twin-tails, which is cute. She is a Bodhisattva who is wondering how to save people.
The other statues enshrined in the temple are a seated statue of Kokuzo Bosatsu, a statue of Tamonten, and a statue of Hiromokuten.
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (April to October), 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (November to March)
Admission (per person): 600 yen for junior high school students and older, 300 yen for elementary school students.
Go for a walk in the precincts of Todaiji Temple
After leaving the Great Buddha Hall and walking up the gentle slope on the east side, you will see the Hokkedo (Lotus Hall). There are other sights to see as we strolled around.
Hokkedo (Sangatsudo)” The place where Todaiji Temple originated
The ten Buddhist statues in the hall were all created in the Nara period (710-794) and are designated as national treasures, one of which is a hidden Buddha statue and will be open to the public only on December 16.
The main statue, a standing image of Kannon (Amoghapasa), is enshrined in the center of the hall. On either side of the statue are the powerful statues of Kongorikishi and Shitenno (the Four Heavenly Kings). It is truly a treasure house of precious Buddhist statues that have passed through the ages.
Hours: 8:30-16:00
Admission (per person): 600 yen for junior high school students and older, 300 yen for elementary school students.
Nigatsudo (National Treasure)” The view from the stage is magnificent
Nigatsudo is built on the slope of a mountain. Deer were taking a leisurely lunch break, so I quietly climbed the side stairs to visit the temple so as not to disturb them.
The building was reconstructed in the Edo period. You realize that it is quite old, but it feels very cozy, nostalgic, and relaxing. It has an antique feel.
The main statues in Nikaido are two eleven-faced Kannon statues, but they seem to be absolutely secret and no one has ever seen them.
Every year in March (February of the lunar calendar), “Omizutori” is held, a Buddhist memorial service to pray to the principal image for peace under heaven and other blessings.
From the Nikaido stage, you can see a panoramic view of the natural beauty of Nara. It is a very nice view of the golden roof of Todaiji Temple.
I put it up because it is a cute and soothing picture. It looks as if the mother Buddha is watching over the growth of her child Buddha. I was healed by the expression on her face.
The large temple bell of Todaiji Temple (National Treasure)
The temple bell of Todaiji Temple, one of the three most famous bells in Japan, dates from the Nara period when the temple was founded and is a national treasure. It has a simple design but is very large and beautifully shaped.
Access to Todaiji Temple
5 minutes walk from Todaiji Daibutsuden/Kasuga Taisha-mae bus stop by city circulation bus from JR Kintetsu “Nara Station”.
20 minutes walk from Kintetsu “Nara” Station.
