[Nara] Asukadera Temple

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Asukadera Temple, which enshrines the oldest Buddhist statue in Japan, is a Shingon sect temple located in Asuka, Takaichi-gun, Nara Prefecture. It is the oldest full-scale Buddhist temple in Japan, built in 596 at the request of Soga no Umako, who protected Buddhism. It used to be a large temple with a main hall surrounding a tower, and was also called Hokko-ji Temple or Gangoji Temple, but after Gangoji Temple was newly built in Nara with the move of the capital to Heijō (Gangoji Temple on Naramachi Street), it was called Hon-Gangoji Temple. Most of the temple buildings were burned down during the Kamakura period, and the current main hall was rebuilt during the Edo period. The principal image, the bronze seated Shaka Nyorai statue (Important Cultural Property), is the oldest Buddhist statue in Japan, made during the Asuka period. It is affectionately known as the Asuka Daibutsu. The oldest Buddha statue in Japan, made by Tori Buddhist sculptor Kurashukuri no Tori. It is about 3m tall and was made from 15t of copper and 30kg of gold. During the Heian and Kamakura periods, the entire statue was damaged and repaired. It is truly an honor to think that it has been watching over people in this place for over 1400 years without any changes. I was moved to be able to see it. I am also grateful that photography is allowed. "Statue of Prince Shotoku's Filial Piety" On the left side of the Great Buddha is the statue of Prince Toku's Filial Piety, made in the Muromachi period. It is said that Prince Shotoku was praying for his father, Emperor Yomei's, recovery from illness when he was 16 years old. In the main hall, the temple staff explained about the principal image to me, which was very informative!! If you follow the route, you will find an exhibition room, which is interesting. There is also a stone monument with a Man'yoshu poem by Yamabe no Akahito on the grounds. On the west side of the temple, there remains a stupa on the grave of Soga no Iruka. It is also known as the place where Nakatomi Kamatari and Prince Nakano Oe first met in a kemari party. It's full of romance. There are many other things to see, so please come and visit! ! Admission fee: 500 yen Asukadera Temple 682 Asuka, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture 634-0103 #Nara Tourism #Asuka Village #Asukadera Temple