Toshodai-ji

An incredibly ancient temple where you can see the traces of history etched into the wooden beams. Inside the main hall stands a magnificent and awe-inspiring Great Buddha that truly moves the heart. There’s a small trail at the back leading to a memorial site for the Sixth Patriarch. It’s not the easiest place to reach, but absolutely worth the trip.

A masterpiece well introduced in Google. I learnt about this historic site, a Unesco heritage site of Japan, before I was there. My holiday itinerary was not planned for this. I encouraged my son's and daughter to accommodate this temple while on that day in Nara visiting Daitoji temple. All of us were really having an immersion architecture of Tang Dynasty. This place received little tourists attention. My tourist guide experience vouches for its outstanding features in all aspects.

It’s a bit out of the way but reachable by train. Love this old Nara temple. Don’t miss the moss garden, it’s magical. The atmosphere is calming, spend the time to soak in the serene environment and walk around the gardens. UNESCO Heritafe site that’s not inundated with crowds, one of the highlights of my Japanese trip.

A serene and sacred oasis, completely different from the many temples so crowded that have effectively reduced themselves to tourist traps. The historic walkway outside also beats Gion.

Beautiful Buddhist temple. Incredibly well taken care of. The Garden surroundings the temples were very nice well worth the visit. A very piecefull place. If I am in Nara definitely will have to visit again If you read English, make sure to get the brochure it gives a great overview of the history of the temple and also has a website off of the qrcode, these people thought about everything!

One of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was my first time seeing a thousand-hand Buddha. All arms carved in wood. It offers a piece of history in the nation building of Japan, especially Buddhism, before Kyoto (Heian-kyo) was established.

It is a nice and well kept buddisth temple relatively small in size. What I found to be a turn off was the price which is 1000 yen per person. Compared to many other temples in Japan this one stood out to me. Overall there was not really something that stayed with me for that price. It might just be me but I would not recommend it as a visit. What I also found strange and with all due respect was the fact that it was not possible to take pictures of the statues which were in fact the interesting part of the temple.

Cherry Blossom season is quiet compared to other crowded sites, it’s relaxing & zen. The Tang Dynasty Chinese Buddhist Master 鉴真大和上 tried to cross the ocean 6 times & finally successfully reached Japan after so many years of failed attempts & loss of his closest friends, his determination & bravery to spread architectural, medicine etc knowledges & wisdoms & peace beyond borders was selfless & significant even after 1300 years… Truly a master of pure heart & kindness!