Todaiji Buddha
NARA CITY
Nara was the capital of Japan,called Heijokyo,from 710 to 784.It was considered thecradle of Japanese culture,arts,and crafts.Buddhism first flourished here under the
strong patronage of successive emperors and empresses.Major cultural heritage in
Nara had been registered on the UNESCO's World Heritage List as an
irreplaceable part of the cultural heritage of all humanity.
Todaiji Temple is famous for its Buddha Statue.It was founded by Emperor Shomu to
enshrine the Great Image of Buddha(Vairocana Buddha)and as the General Head-temple
of all provincial temples in Japan.It was completed in 752.Unfortunately,fire destroyed
the edifice twice,and the present structure,which was rebuilt in 1692,was scaled down
to two-thirds of the original size.
Nevertheless,it is the largest wooden building in the world and the magnificent
structure is sure to fill its visitors with awe.
Nara National Museum stands in Nara Park.
The West Gallery,the original building,was opened in 1895,while the East Gallery was
constructed in 1973.Apart from the regular exhibition of Buddhist relics such as
sculptures,paintings,applied arts,calligraphy,and archaeological objects,there are
also several special exhibitions through out the year,such as the special exhibition
of treasures from the Shoso-in Repository for two weeks in fall.
Kofukuji Temple is also World Heritage Site.
In addition to the five-story pagoda,which is well known as a symbol of Nara,various
buildings and historic Buddhist statues remind us of the long,impressive history of
this temple.