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  • 3. Todai-ji 東大寺 Gate- the Great Buddha Hall Todaiji shelters the world's largest bronze statue of Buddha: Daibutsu or Great Buddha.  The Daibutsuden is the world's largest wooden building despite the fact that the reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of its original size. The casting of the bronze Great Buddha involved a huge proportion of the population and nearly bankrupted early Japan because of the enormous amounts of gold, wood and bronze needed.  Today wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods, roam the area.
    3.NARA-TODAIJI-02.jpg
  • 3. Todai-ji 東大寺 Daibutsuden - the Great Buddha Hall Todaiji shelters the world's largest bronze statue of Buddha: Daibutsu or Great Buddha.  The Daibutsuden is the world's largest wooden building despite the fact that the reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of its original size. The casting of the bronze Great Buddha involved a huge proportion of the population and nearly bankrupted early Japan because of the enormous amounts of gold, wood and bronze needed.  Today wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods, roam the area.
    3.NARA-TODAIJI-01.jpg
  • Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    todaiji-3.jpg
  • Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    todaiji-2.jpg
  • Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    todaiji-1.jpg
  • Great Buddha at Daibutsuden,Todaiji - Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    nara-daibutsu-6.jpg
  • Tamon-ten Guardian at Daibutsuden, Todaiji - Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    tamon-ten-1.jpg
  • Great Buddha at Daibutsuden,Todaiji - Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    nara-daibutsu-3.jpg
  • Great Buddha at Daibutsuden,Todaiji - Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    nara-daibutsu-2.jpg
  • Great Buddha at Daibutsuden,Todaiji - Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    nara-daibutsu-4.jpg
  • Kokuuzo-bosatsu at Daibutusuden, Todaiji - Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    kokuuzo-bosatsu-3.jpg
  • Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    nyoirin-kannon-1.jpg
  • Great Buddha at Daibutsuden,Todaiji - Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    nara-daibutsu-5.jpg
  • Great Buddha at Daibutsuden,Todaiji - Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    nara-daibutsu-8.jpg
  • Kokuuzo-bosatsu at Daibutusuden, Todaiji - Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    kokuuzo-bosatsu-1.jpg
  • Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    nyoirin-kannon-3.jpg
  • Todaiji Temple or Great Eastern Temple is one of Japan's most famous temples and a landmark of Nara. Todaiji was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan. Todaiji derives its name from its location east of Nara, which was the capital of Japan when it was built. It is the largest wooden structure in the world, housing the largest bronze Buddha in existance, the Daibutsu or Great Buddha.
    todai-ji-10.jpg
  • Todaiji Temple or Great Eastern Temple is one of Japan's most famous temples and a landmark of Nara. Todaiji was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan. Todaiji derives its name from its location east of Nara, which was the capital of Japan when it was built. It is the largest wooden structure in the world, housing the largest bronze Buddha in existance, the Daibutsu or Great Buddha.
    todai-ji-15.jpg
  • Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    seisyu-an-teahouse-1.jpg
  • Todaiji Temple or Great Eastern Temple is one of Japan's most famous temples and a landmark of Nara. Todaiji was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan.<br />
Todaiji derives its name from its location east of Nara, which was the capital of Japan when it was built. It is the largest wooden structure in the world, housing the largest bronze Buddha in existance, the Daibutsu or Great Buddha.
    todaiji-4.jpg
  • Nigatsu-do  at Todaiji name comes from the fact that the Shuni-e Ceremony is held here during the second month of the lunar calendar.  Unfortunately, a fire broke out inside the hall In 1667 in the midst of the ceremony, and the original building was destroyed and had to be reconstructed in 1669.  The acoustics of the hall are said to be perfect and with an inner sanctum, outer sanctum and worship hall that make it particularly well-suited for the rituals conducted here.  It is also a popular sunset spot, with many fine lanterns dangling from  its eaves.  Nigatsu-do is a national treasure of Japan.
    nigatsu-do-6.jpg
  • 3.1 Nigatsu-do at Todaiji 二月堂 -  Unfortunately, a fire broke out inside the hall In 1667 in the midst of a ceremony and the original building was destroyed and had to be reconstructed in 1669.  The acoustics of the hall are said to be perfect with an inner sanctum, outer sanctum and worship hall that make it particularly well-suited for the rituals conducted here.  It is also a popular sunset spot with many fine lanterns dangling from its eaves.  Nigatsu-do is a National Treasure of Japan.
    3.NARA-TODAIJI-03.jpg
  • Nigatsu-do  at Todaiji name comes from the fact that the Shuni-e Ceremony is held here during the second month of the lunar calendar.  Unfortunately, a fire broke out inside the hall In 1667 in the midst of the ceremony, and the original building was destroyed and had to be reconstructed in 1669.  The acoustics of the hall are said to be perfect and with an inner sanctum, outer sanctum and worship hall that make it particularly well-suited for the rituals conducted here.  It is also a popular sunset spot, with many fine lanterns dangling from  its eaves.  Nigatsu-do is a national treasure of Japan.
    nigatsu-do-2.jpg
  • Nigatsu-do  at Todaiji name comes from the fact that the Shuni-e Ceremony is held here during the second month of the lunar calendar.  Unfortunately, a fire broke out inside the hall In 1667 in the midst of the ceremony, and the original building was destroyed and had to be reconstructed in 1669.  The acoustics of the hall are said to be perfect and with an inner sanctum, outer sanctum and worship hall that make it particularly well-suited for the rituals conducted here.  It is also a popular sunset spot, with many fine lanterns dangling from  its eaves.  Nigatsu-do is a national treasure of Japan.
    nigatsu-do-1.jpg
  • Todaiji Temple or Great Eastern Temple is one of Japan's most famous temples and a landmark of Nara. Todaiji was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan. Todaiji derives its name from its location east of Nara, which was the capital of Japan when it was built. It is the largest wooden structure in the world, housing the largest bronze Buddha in existance, the Daibutsu or Great Buddha.
    todaiji-5.jpg
  • Nigatsu-do  at Todaiji name comes from the fact that the Shuni-e Ceremony is held here during the second month of the lunar calendar.  Unfortunately, a fire broke out inside the hall In 1667 in the midst of the ceremony, and the original building was destroyed and had to be reconstructed in 1669.  The acoustics of the hall are said to be perfect and with an inner sanctum, outer sanctum and worship hall that make it particularly well-suited for the rituals conducted here.  It is also a popular sunset spot, with many fine lanterns dangling from  its eaves.  Nigatsu-do is a national treasure of Japan.
    nigatsu-do-3.jpg
  • Nigatsu-do  at Todaiji name comes from the fact that the Shuni-e Ceremony is held here during the second month of the lunar calendar.  Unfortunately, a fire broke out inside the hall In 1667 in the midst of the ceremony, and the original building was destroyed and had to be reconstructed in 1669.  The acoustics of the hall are said to be perfect and with an inner sanctum, outer sanctum and worship hall that make it particularly well-suited for the rituals conducted here.  It is also a popular sunset spot, with many fine lanterns dangling from  its eaves.  Nigatsu-do is a national treasure of Japan.
    nigatsu-do-7.jpg
  • Nigatsu-do  at Todaiji name comes from the fact that the Shuni-e Ceremony is held here during the second month of the lunar calendar.  Unfortunately, a fire broke out inside the hall In 1667 in the midst of the ceremony, and the original building was destroyed and had to be reconstructed in 1669.  The acoustics of the hall are said to be perfect and with an inner sanctum, outer sanctum and worship hall that make it particularly well-suited for the rituals conducted here.  It is also a popular sunset spot, with many fine lanterns dangling from  its eaves.  Nigatsu-do is a national treasure of Japan.
    nigatsu-do-5.jpg
  • Nigatsu-do  at Todaiji name comes from the fact that the Shuni-e Ceremony is held here during the second month of the lunar calendar.  Unfortunately, a fire broke out inside the hall In 1667 in the midst of the ceremony, and the original building was destroyed and had to be reconstructed in 1669.  The acoustics of the hall are said to be perfect and with an inner sanctum, outer sanctum and worship hall that make it particularly well-suited for the rituals conducted here.  It is also a popular sunset spot, with many fine lanterns dangling from  its eaves.  Nigatsu-do is a national treasure of Japan.
    nigatsu-do-4.jpg
  • Nigatsu-do Lanterns  at Todaiji name comes from the fact that the Shuni-e Ceremony is held here during the second month of the lunar calendar.  Unfortunately, a fire broke out inside the hall In 1667 in the midst of the ceremony, and the original building was destroyed and had to be reconstructed in 1669.  The acoustics of the hall are said to be perfect and with an inner sanctum, outer sanctum and worship hall that make it particularly well-suited for the rituals conducted here.  It is also a popular sunset spot, with many fine lanterns dangling from  its eaves.  Nigatsu-do is a national treasure of Japan.
    nigatsu-do-8.jpg
  • Nandaimon Gate is a large wooden gate with two fierce looking statues overseeing the gate.  The gate marks the approach to Todaiji Temple. Temple visitors will encounter  wild deer from who beg for shika senbei crackers.
    nandaimon-gate-1.jpg
  • Nigatsu-do Deer - Nigatsu-do at Todaiji name comes from the fact that the Shuni-e Ceremony is held here during the second month of the lunar calendar.  Unfortunately, a fire broke out inside the hall In 1667 in the midst of the ceremony, and the original building was destroyed and had to be reconstructed in 1669.  The acoustics of the hall are said to be perfect and with an inner sanctum, outer sanctum and worship hall that make it particularly well-suited for the rituals conducted here.  It is also a popular sunset spot, with many fine lanterns dangling from  its eaves.  Nigatsu-do is a national treasure of Japan.
    nigatsu-do-9.jpg
  • Nandaimon Gate is a large wooden gate with two fierce looking statues overseeing the gate.  The gate marks the approach to Todaiji Temple. Temple visitors will encounter  wild deer from who beg for shika senbei crackers.
    nandaimon-gate-2.jpg
  • The statue is of Binzuru Yakushi Nyorai or Pindola Bharadvaja, is made of wood,and dates from the Edo period . In Japan,  Binzuru is the most widely revered of the sixteen disciples of Buddha.  He is reported to have excelled in occult powers. In Japan people believe that if you rub a part of the image of Binzuru, and then the corresponding part of your own body, the ailment there will be cured
    binzuru.jpg
  • The Great Buddha of Nara belongs to Todaiji Temple, located in the ancient capital of Nara.  The construction of Todaiji, was completed in 752 with the aim, not only to house the Great Buddha image, but also to consolidate the position of the city as Japan's capital and powerful center of Buddhism. The Great Buddha Hall, called "Daibutsu-Den", the main hall of Todaiji, was rebuilt several times. The current structure, completed in 1709, is only two-thirds of the original size, but is still the largest wooden building in the world. The seated figure inside is the world's largest bronze image of Buddha. The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara were registered as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
    nara-daibutsu-1.jpg
  • The statue is of Binzuru Yakushi Nyorai or Pindola Bharadvaja, is made of wood,and dates from the Edo period . In Japan, Binzuru is the most widely revered of the sixteen disciples of Buddha. He is reported to have excelled in occult powers. In Japan people believe that if you rub a part of the image of Binzuru, and then the corresponding part of your own body, the ailment there will be cured
    binzuru-1.jpg
  • Built in 1909, the Nara Hotel is located on a hill beside Nara Park providing an excellent view of the historical sights in Nara such as Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple, the Five-Storied Pagoda of Kofuku-ji Temple and Kasuga Forest.  With over 90 years of history, hotel is designed to look traditionally Japanese, but the service and facilities provided are of international class standard
    nara-hotel.jpg
  • Nara Park or Nara Koen is a large park and the location of numerous Nara attractions, including Todaiji, Nara National Museum, Kofukuji and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The park is home to hundreds of wild deer.  Nara's deer have become a kind of symbol of the city and have even been designated a natural treasure. Traditionally, deer have always been considered messengers of the gods in the in Shinto religion.  Nara's deer are fairly tame, though they can be aggressive when hungry. Deer crackers or shika sembei are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors.
    nara-deer-park-4.jpg
  • Nara Deer Park is a large park in central Nara and the location of many of Nara's main attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum.  The park is home to hundreds of freely roaming wild deer. Considered messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion of Japan, Nara's deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated a National Treasure.
    nara-deer-park-1.jpg
  • Gangoji was one of the seven great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as famous as the Big Three: Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji, Gangoji Temple is definitely worthwhile in part because it is free of crowds and tour buses visiting the more famous spots in Nara.   Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the most ancient temples in Japan.  Gangoji Temple was originally founded in 588 when Buddhism was in its infancy in Japan and originally established as Hokoji Temple or Asukadera because of its original location near Asuka. The design of the temple has architectural influences from mainland Asia.  Many of the priests who first served as Hokoji were from Korea & China.  When the capital moved to Nara, Hokoji was moved and partly rebuilt then renamed Gangoji. Gangoji’s most noteworthy treasure is the Chiko Mandala named after an abbot of the temple.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it is also famous.
    gangyoji-7.jpg
  • 7. Gangoji 元興寺 was one of the great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as grand as Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji,  Gangoji Temple is comparatively more modest making it free of crowds who will be busy visiting the more famous spots in Nara. Nevertheless, it contains no less than three of Japan’s National Treasures which include its main hall, modest as it may appear.  Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara as it was originally founded in 588 when Buddhism was in its infancy in Japan. The temple’s design has architectural influences from mainland Asia and many of the priests who first served here were from Korea & China.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it is famous.
    7.NARA-GANGOJI-04.jpg
  • Gangoji was one of the seven great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as famous as the Big Three: Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji, Gangoji Temple is definitely worthwhile in part because it is free of crowds and tour buses visiting the more famous spots in Nara.   Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the most ancient temples in Japan.  Gangoji Temple was originally founded in 588 when Buddhism was in its infancy in Japan and originally established as Hokoji Temple or Asukadera because of its original location near Asuka. The design of the temple has architectural influences from mainland Asia.  Many of the priests who first served as Hokoji were from Korea & China.  When the capital moved to Nara, Hokoji was moved and partly rebuilt then renamed Gangoji. Gangoji’s most noteworthy treasure is the Chiko Mandala named after an abbot of the temple.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it is also famous.
    gangyoji-9.jpg
  • Nara Deer Crackers Shika Sembei - Nara Park is the location of many of Nara's main attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Shrine and Kofukuji. The park is home to hundreds of freely roaming wild deer. Considered to be messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, Nara's nearly thousand plus deer have become a symbol of the city and have been designated a natural treasure.
    nara-deer-crackers-1.jpg
  • 7. Gangoji 元興寺 was one of the great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as grand as Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji,  Gangoji Temple is comparatively more modest making it free of crowds who will be busy visiting the more famous spots in Nara. Nevertheless, it contains no less than three of Japan’s National Treasures which include its main hall, modest as it may appear.  Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara. The temple’s design has architectural influences from mainland Asia and many of the priests who first served here were from Korea and China.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it the temple is famous.
    7.NARA-GANGOJI-02.jpg
  • Gangoji was one of the seven great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as famous as the Big Three: Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji, Gangoji Temple is definitely worthwhile in part because it is free of crowds and tour buses visiting the more famous spots in Nara.   Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the most ancient temples in Japan.  Gangoji Temple was originally founded in 588 when Buddhism was in its infancy in Japan and originally established as Hokoji Temple or Asukadera because of its original location near Asuka. The design of the temple has architectural influences from mainland Asia.  Many of the priests who first served as Hokoji were from Korea & China.  When the capital moved to Nara, Hokoji was moved and partly rebuilt then renamed Gangoji. Gangoji’s most noteworthy treasure is the Chiko Mandala named after an abbot of the temple.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it is also famous.
    gangyoji-3.jpg
  • Nara Park or Nara Koen is a large park and the location of numerous Nara attractions, including Todaiji, Nara National Museum, Kofukuji and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The park is home to hundreds of wild deer.  Nara's deer have become a kind of symbol of the city and have even been designated a natural treasure. Traditionally, deer have always been considered messengers of the gods in the in Shinto religion.  Nara's deer are fairly tame, though they can be aggressive when hungry. Deer crackers or shika sembei are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors.
    nara-park-3.jpg
  • Nara Deer Park is a large, pleasant space in central Nara, established in 1880. It is the location of many of Nara's main attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum.  The park is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion of Japan, Nara's deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated a National Treasure.
    nara-deer-park-2.jpg
  • 7. Gangoji 元興寺 was one of the great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as grand as Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji,  Gangoji Temple is comparatively more modest making it free of crowds who will be busy visiting the more famous spots in Nara. Nevertheless, it contains no less than three of Japan’s National Treasures which include its main hall, modest as it may appear.  Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara. The temple’s design has architectural influences from mainland Asia and many of the priests who first served here were from Korea and China.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it the temple is famous.
    7.NARA-GANGOJI-01.jpg
  • Gangoji was one of the seven great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as famous as the Big Three: Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji, Gangoji Temple is definitely worthwhile in part because it is free of crowds and tour buses visiting the more famous spots in Nara.   Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the most ancient temples in Japan.  Gangoji Temple was originally founded in 588 when Buddhism was in its infancy in Japan and originally established as Hokoji Temple or Asukadera because of its original location near Asuka. The design of the temple has architectural influences from mainland Asia.  Many of the priests who first served as Hokoji were from Korea & China.  When the capital moved to Nara, Hokoji was moved and partly rebuilt then renamed Gangoji. Gangoji’s most noteworthy treasure is the Chiko Mandala named after an abbot of the temple.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it is also famous.
    gangyoji-8.jpg
  • Gangoji was one of the seven great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as famous as the Big Three: Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji, Gangoji Temple is definitely worthwhile in part because it is free of crowds and tour buses visiting the more famous spots in Nara.   Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the most ancient temples in Japan.  Gangoji Temple was originally founded in 588 when Buddhism was in its infancy in Japan and originally established as Hokoji Temple or Asukadera because of its original location near Asuka. The design of the temple has architectural influences from mainland Asia.  Many of the priests who first served as Hokoji were from Korea & China.  When the capital moved to Nara, Hokoji was moved and partly rebuilt then renamed Gangoji. Gangoji’s most noteworthy treasure is the Chiko Mandala named after an abbot of the temple.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it is also famous.
    gangyoji-6.jpg
  • Gangoji was one of the seven great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as famous as the Big Three: Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji, Gangoji Temple is definitely worthwhile in part because it is free of crowds and tour buses visiting the more famous spots in Nara.   Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the most ancient temples in Japan.  Gangoji Temple was originally founded in 588 when Buddhism was in its infancy in Japan and originally established as Hokoji Temple or Asukadera because of its original location near Asuka. The design of the temple has architectural influences from mainland Asia.  Many of the priests who first served as Hokoji were from Korea & China.  When the capital moved to Nara, Hokoji was moved and partly rebuilt then renamed Gangoji. Gangoji’s most noteworthy treasure is the Chiko Mandala named after an abbot of the temple.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it is also famous.
    gangyoji-5.jpg
  • Gangoji was one of the seven great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as famous as the Big Three: Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji, Gangoji Temple is definitely worthwhile in part because it is free of crowds and tour buses visiting the more famous spots in Nara.   Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the most ancient temples in Japan.  Gangoji Temple was originally founded in 588 when Buddhism was in its infancy in Japan and originally established as Hokoji Temple or Asukadera because of its original location near Asuka. The design of the temple has architectural influences from mainland Asia.  Many of the priests who first served as Hokoji were from Korea & China.  When the capital moved to Nara, Hokoji was moved and partly rebuilt then renamed Gangoji. Gangoji’s most noteworthy treasure is the Chiko Mandala named after an abbot of the temple.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it is also famous.
    gangyoji-1.jpg
  • Nara Park or Nara Koen is a large park and the location of numerous Nara attractions, including Todaiji, Nara National Museum, Kofukuji and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The park is home to hundreds of wild deer.  Nara's deer have become a kind of symbol of the city and have even been designated a natural treasure. Traditionally, deer have always been considered messengers of the gods in the in Shinto religion.  Nara's deer are fairly tame, though they can be aggressive when hungry. Deer crackers or shika sembei are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors.
    nara-deer-park-3.jpg
  • Nara Park is a large, pleasant park in central Nara, established in 1880. It is the location of many of Nara's main attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum.  The park is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer which are  considered messengers of the gods in Shinto religion of Japan.  Nara's deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated a National Treasure.
    shichi-go-san-12.jpg
  • Nara Park or Nara Koen is a large park and the location of numerous Nara attractions, including Todaiji, Nara National Museum, Kofukuji and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The park is home to hundreds of wild deer.  Nara's deer have become a kind of symbol of the city and have even been designated a natural treasure. Traditionally, deer have always been considered messengers of the gods in the in Shinto religion.  Nara's deer are fairly tame, though they can be aggressive when hungry. Deer crackers or shika sembei are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors.
    nara-deer-park-5.jpg
  • Gangoji was one of the seven great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as famous as the Big Three: Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji, Gangoji Temple is definitely worthwhile in part because it is free of crowds and tour buses visiting the more famous spots in Nara.   Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the most ancient temples in Japan.  Gangoji Temple was originally founded in 588 when Buddhism was in its infancy in Japan and originally established as Hokoji Temple or Asukadera because of its original location near Asuka. The design of the temple has architectural influences from mainland Asia.  Many of the priests who first served as Hokoji were from Korea & China.  When the capital moved to Nara, Hokoji was moved and partly rebuilt then renamed Gangoji. Gangoji’s most noteworthy treasure is the Chiko Mandala named after an abbot of the temple.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it is also famous.
    gangyoji-4.jpg
  • Gangoji was one of the seven great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as famous as the Big Three: Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji, Gangoji Temple is definitely worthwhile in part because it is free of crowds and tour buses visiting the more famous spots in Nara.   Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the most ancient temples in Japan.  Gangoji Temple was originally founded in 588 when Buddhism was in its infancy in Japan and originally established as Hokoji Temple or Asukadera because of its original location near Asuka. The design of the temple has architectural influences from mainland Asia.  Many of the priests who first served as Hokoji were from Korea & China.  When the capital moved to Nara, Hokoji was moved and partly rebuilt then renamed Gangoji. Gangoji’s most noteworthy treasure is the Chiko Mandala named after an abbot of the temple.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it is also famous.
    gangyoji-2.jpg