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Tōdaiji: The Great Buddha of Nara and Historic Temple Complex

  • The stone-paved sandō (worshiper’s path) carries visitors to the Chūmon, a vermillion gate that is registered as an important cultural property.

    The stone-paved sandō (worshiper’s path) carries visitors to the Chūmon, a vermillion gate that is registered as an important cultural property.

  • A deer, a symbol of Nara, lounges next to a monument commemorating the ancient capital’s UNESCO listing.

    A deer, a symbol of Nara, lounges next to a monument commemorating the ancient capital’s UNESCO listing.

  • Tōdaiji’s Daibutsuden Hall reflected in the mirror-like Kagami Pond.

    Tōdaiji’s Daibutsuden Hall reflected in the mirror-like Kagami Pond.

  • Tōdaiji’s Daibutsuden Hall.

    Tōdaiji’s Daibutsuden Hall.

  • Tōdaiji lit up for Mantō Kuyōe, the Festival of 10,000 Lanterns, held every August 15. (© Jiji)

    Tōdaiji lit up for Mantō Kuyōe, the Festival of 10,000 Lanterns, held every August 15. (© Jiji)

  • The face if the Great Buddha seen through a viewing window, which is only opened on New Year Day and during Obon. (Courtesy Nara Visitors Bureau)

    The face if the Great Buddha seen through a viewing window, which is only opened on New Year Day and during Obon. (Courtesy Nara Visitors Bureau)

  • The statue depicts the Roshana Buddha in seated position.

    The statue depicts the Roshana Buddha in seated position.

  • The Buddha has been damaged by fire and restored several times during its life, as manifested by the differing tints of bronze on the head and chest.

    The Buddha has been damaged by fire and restored several times during its life, as manifested by the differing tints of bronze on the head and chest.

  • The hakkaku tōrō, a six-sided, 4.6-meter-tall bronze lantern that dates back to Tōdaiji’s founding.

    The hakkaku tōrō, a six-sided, 4.6-meter-tall bronze lantern that dates back to Tōdaiji’s founding.

  • A full-scale replica of a lotus pedal from the pedestal of the Great Buddha. Displayed next to the dais in the Daibutsuden Hall, it provides visitors an up-close look at the lettering of the Flower Ornament Sutra decorating the statue’s base.

    A full-scale replica of a lotus pedal from the pedestal of the Great Buddha. Displayed next to the dais in the Daibutsuden Hall, it provides visitors an up-close look at the lettering of the Flower Ornament Sutra decorating the statue’s base.

  • A model inside the Daibutsuden Hall shows the structure as it originally stood. The first hall was considerably larger, soaring 100 meters into the air, and was flanked by two towering pagodas.

    A model inside the Daibutsuden Hall shows the structure as it originally stood. The first hall was considerably larger, soaring 100 meters into the air, and was flanked by two towering pagodas.

  • The Nandaimon is distinguished by its double hip-and-gable roof.

    The Nandaimon is distinguished by its double hip-and-gable roof.

  • Tōdaiji’s renowned Niō statues Agyō (left) and Ungyō. Located on the sandō, the figures and the Nandaimon can be viewed at any time.

    Tōdaiji’s renowned Niō statues Agyō (left) and Ungyō. Located on the sandō, the figures and the Nandaimon can be viewed at any time.

  • The Hokkedō consists of the raidō worship hall (pictured), which was rebuilt during the Kamakura period, and the original shōdō image hall at the back of the structure.

    The Hokkedō consists of the raidō worship hall (pictured), which was rebuilt during the Kamakura period, and the original shōdō image hall at the back of the structure.

  • Priests swing pine torches along the balcony of the Nigatsudō in a rite known as Omizutori (literally “the drawing of water”), part of the Shunie ceremony held from March 1 to 14 each year. (© Pixta)

    Priests swing pine torches along the balcony of the Nigatsudō in a rite known as Omizutori (literally “the drawing of water”), part of the Shunie ceremony held from March 1 to 14 each year. (© Pixta)

  • The site of the Kōdō and Daibutsuden Hall surrounded by autumn colors. (© Pixta)

    The site of the Kōdō and Daibutsuden Hall surrounded by autumn colors. (© Pixta)

  • A fawn and its mother near Nandaimon.

    A fawn and its mother near Nandaimon.

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