Larger than Large: Todaiji & Yoshikien Garden, Nara

Date: 28th March 2016

Todaiji

Right after visiting Kasuga Taisha, I walked through Nara Park to Todaiji. There are more deer to see around here.

38082-img_0810 — Deer casually resting along the path towards Todaiji

First up is the Nandaimon (Great South Gate), the super large wooden gate. Well, you would not understand the meaning of large until you see the main hall later.

458a6-img_0814 — One of the statues at the gate

Here comes the giant, the main hall called Daibutsuden (The Great Buddha Hall). This is actually one of the largest wooden building in the world. See it for yourself.

d3699-img_0826 — Daibutsuden (Main hall)

Wondering why it is called Daibutsuden? Well, there is a large bronze statue of Buddha here – one of the largest in Japan that is.

5ad03-img_0831 — The large bronze statue Buddha

The Buddha is placed in the middle of two Bodhisattvas.

Next, I made my way to Nigatsudo (Second Month Hall), one of the halls in the surrounding area of Todaiji.

Another hall is Hokke-do, also known as Sangatsudo. I did not enter though.

Yoshikien

Next, I walked roughly 1km to Yoshikien Garden. Both Isuien Garden and Yoshikien Garden are on my list, but I could not find the former (better luck next time).