The Seven Great Temples of Nara
Yakushi-ji
Built in the 7th century, Yakushi-ji was one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara (Nanto Shichi Daiji) and is head of the Hosso sect of Buddhism. |
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Main hall of Yakushiji Temple. |
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Yakushi triad at Yakushiji Temple. |
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East pagoda of Yakushiji Temple. |
Todai-ji
Constructed in 752 on the order of Emperor Shomu, Todai-ji Temple's Great Buddha Hall in Nara is the largest wooden structure in the world and houses an immense statue of Rushana Butsu. |
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Todaiji Temple's Daibutsu Hall at sunset. |
Saidai-ji
Saidai-ji Temple houses an important Seiryoji-style Shaka Nyorai dating from 1249. |
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Approach to Saidaiji Temple. |
Kofuku-ji
Kofukuji was the clan temple of the powerful Fujiwara clan and one of the head temples of the Hosso sect. |
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Full moon at Kofukuji Temple. |
Horyu-ji
Founded by Prince Shotoku in 607 long before Kyoto was capital of Japan, Horyuji is a large temple south of Nara which houses the oldest wooden buildings in the world. |
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Horyuji Temple's pagoda and main entrance. |
Gango-ji
Founded by Soga no Umako, Gango-ji is among the oldest temples in Japan, having been moved from Asuka to Nara in 718. All that remains of the original building is the Zenshitsu hall at the rear. |
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Zenshitsu Hall of Gangoji Temple. |
Daian-ji
Situated in the south of Nara City, Daian-ji Temple is the last stop on the Yamato Jusan Butsu pilgrimage. |
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Daianji Temple's hondo. |
