Nara｜Majestic Five-Story Buddha at Todai-ji Temple

The Nara period was a prosperous era in Japanese history, yet it was also marked by wars, famines, and plagues. Emperor Shomu, the 45th emperor of Japan, decreed in the 13th year of the Tenpyo era to establish Kokubunji temples across the nation, aiming to provide spiritual solace to the people through religious faith. The predecessor of Todai-ji Temple, Kinsho-ji Temple, became the Kokubunji temple of Yamato Province and was renamed "Kinkoumyou-ji Temple." Since the capital at the time was located in Kunikyo, Kyoto, and Nara was to the east, the temple was officially named Todai-ji in the 19th year of the Tenpyo era. Fun fact: There are 68 Kokubunji temples across Japan, and Todai-ji serves as the highest-ranking "headquarters." The 15-meter-tall Great Buddha was cast during a period of frequent capital relocations, taking nearly a decade to complete. The eye-opening ceremony was presided over by Bodhisena, a monk from India. Over 1,200 years have passed, and the Great Buddha of Nara continues to stand guard, protecting the people and listening to their worries. To the left of the Great Buddha is the statue of Kokuzo Bosatsu, and the Great Buddha Hall is designated as a cultural property. Todai-ji has endured two major fires during wartime, and the temple we see today is the third version, rebuilt over 25 years. The original hall from the Tenpyo era had eleven bays between its beams, but due to financial constraints, the current hall has seven bays. Behind the Great Buddha, there are miniature models of the three versions of the Great Buddha Hall. On the right side of the hall, there is a pillar with a hole said to be the same size as the Great Buddha's nostril. It is believed that passing through this hole grants great wisdom and helps ward off disasters. In front of Todai-ji, there is a museum where photography is prohibited, but visitors can fully immerse themselves in the history of the temple's construction and view precious artifacts up close. Purchasing a combined ticket is more cost-effective. 📍Address: 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara, 630-8587, Japan 🚗 From Kintetsu Nara Station, a 15-minute walk will take you there.