The Temples of Nara
No other historic site in Japan can match Horyu-ji in terms of its exquisite state of preservation nor the wealth of its artistic treasures. In terms of historical significance, it is one of Japan’s premier sites. Its spectacular precinct contains some of the most brilliant examples of early Japanese wooden architecture, dating back to the 7th century AD (the Asuka Period). In fact, it can lay strong claim to having the world’s oldest wooden buildings. As the imperial capital of Japan during the 8th century, Nara witnessed a golden age for great temple institutions. They not only helped to spread the word of Buddhism, but they also served as the engine rooms for the programme of state-sponsored propaganda. Emperor Shomu had commissioned a great statue of Buddha as the central icon of his new religious institution of Todai-ji. In order to house the colossal image, Shomu designed one of the largest temple complexes ever seen in Japan – and one of the great religious centres of ancient Nara. The temple’s main hall (the ‘Daibutsuden’) is nowadays referred to as being the largest timber-framed building in the world.
Unlike many of the great Nara temples of this period, Toshodai-ji did not receive direct patronage from the Emperor. It survived principally on the private donations of members of the aristocracy. It stands amidst one of Nara’s most sublime and relaxing landscapes. Its main hall, or Kondo, exudes a harmonious, yet powerful, feeling of splendour and monumentality. It remains one of the most brilliant examples of Nara Period architecture anywhere in Japan, and is arguably the most beautiful wooden building in the Far East.
- Horyu-ji - 19:04
- Todai-ji - 17:24
- Toshodai-ji - 15:25
