12 days in Japan - Day 6 Nara
Nara Park
The main park in the city is home to thousands of wild, peaceful roaming deers. Deers are important in Nara and are a symbol of the city, with the two mascots Shikamaro-kun and Sento-kun.While in the park, you can buy shika-senbei, special crackers to feed the deers. If you bow to the deers, they will reciprocate the bow in exchange for a cracker. Just make sure you do have food for them!
Kofuku-ji Temple
Located inside Nara Park is Kofuku-ji Temple, the temple of the most powerful family, the Fujiwara Clan during the Nara and Heian periods. The temples feature a five storied pagoda, a three storied pagoda, the Central Golden Hall, the Eastern Golden Hall and Kofukuji's National Treasure Museum which holds a large collection of Buddhist art including the three-faced, six-armed Ashura Statue.
Gangoji Temple
Gangoji Temple is one of the most ancient Buddhist temples in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Amongst the attractions here is the large main hall which were the living quarters of the priests, the Zen Hall were the scholars studied and the National Treasure room used to store Buddhist sutra and scriptures. There is also miniature pagoda, a national treasure over five metres tall from the Tempyo era.Kasuga Taisha Shrine
To reach Kasuga Taisha Shrine, the path takes you through the forest lined with many stone lanterns donated by worshippers. The lanterns are lit during the Mandoro festival. Bronze lanterns also appear inside the Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Kasuga Taisha Shrine was built by the Fujiwara family in 768 to honour the Four Great Deities of Kasuga; Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto, Futsunushi-no-mikoto, Amenokoyane-no-mikoto and Himegami. It become a place of worship for the family. In the woods surrounding the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, there are smaller shrines dedicated to the twelve lucky gods.
Todaiji Temple
One of the most famous and popular landmarks in Nara is the Todaiji Temple. It was constructed as the head temple of all Buddhist temples in Japan and a symbol of imperial power. It took over 15 years to build and its impressive scale and architectural detail is something to admire. As you enter the Todaiji Temple complex, you will see the large wooden gates known as the Nandaimon Gate which is watched over by Nio Guardian Kings. The main hall, Daibutsuden houses one of the largest gilt, bronze Daibutsu statues at 15 meters tall. There are smaller Buddhist statues in the hall and a pillar with a hole in its base. While we were there, we noticed some school children were trying to squeeze through the opening as it is believe those who can fit through will be granted enlightenment in their next life.
Nigatsudo Temple
To the west of Todaiji Temple is Nigatsudo Temple which is associated with the Omizutori ceremony. Priests carry flaming torches to the balcony and the embers that rain down on the crowd below are believed to bring good fortune for the next year. There are great views of Todaiji Temple on the balcony.
There are plenty more temple buildings around the Todaiji Temple complex including Sangatsudo, Hokkaido Hall, Kaidando Hall.
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