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Akishino-dera

Akishino-dera is an independent Buddhist temple in Nara, founded in the 8th century. Its Hondō, rebuilt in the Kamakura period and designated a National Treasure, stands on the site of the former lecture hall and keeps a style reminiscent of Nara-period architecture. Inside, sculptures such as the Yakushi Triad, Taishakuten, Jizō Bosatsu and the celebrated Gigeiten are venerated, an image 206 cm tall whose head was modelled in dry lacquer in the Nara period and whose body was carved in wood in the Kamakura period; it is the only known ancient example of this deity in Japan. In the grounds, among trees and a moss garden, the foundations of the original east and west pagodas and of the main hall remain. The Daigensui Myōō, a rare six-armed figure with snakes, is kept in the Daigen-dō and is shown to the public only on 6 June.

Near Akishino-dera