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Tōshōdai-ji

Tōshōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Ritsu school in Nara, founded in 759 by the Chinese monk Ganjin (Jianzhen). The grounds preserve several Nara-period buildings declared National Treasures, such as the Kondō (Golden Hall), with its columned façade and tiled roof, and the Kōdō (Lecture Hall), moved from the Heijō Palace. Inside the Kondō, statues such as the Rushana Butsu and the Senju Kannon are venerated. At the back of the grounds, a moss-covered path leads to Ganjin's mausoleum, a peaceful place for contemplation. The gardens offer cherry blossom in spring, lotus flowers in mid-June and autumn foliage. The temple also has the Shinpōzō, a repository where sculptures and historical materials of the Tenpyō period are displayed. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara'.

Things to do at Tōshōdai-ji: 7 missions

• See the Korō at Tōshōdai-jiAdmire the Korō, a National Treasure of Japan rebuilt in 1240.
• Explore the Kyōzō (Sutra Repository) at Tōshōdai-jiVisit the Kyōzō, a National Treasure of Japan built in the Nara period.
• See the Mieidō at Tōshōdai-jiAdmire the Mieidō, an Important Cultural Property.
• See the Shinden at Tōshōdai-jiAdmire the Shinden, an Important Cultural Property.
• Explore the Kōdō (Lecture Hall) at Tōshōdai-jiVisit the Kōdō, a National Treasure of Japan built in the Nara period.
• See the Raidō at Tōshōdai-jiAdmire the Raidō, an Important Cultural Property.
• Explore the Hōzō (Treasure House) at Tōshōdai-jiVisit the Hōzō, a National Treasure of Japan built in the Nara period.

Near Tōshōdai-ji

Source: toshodaiji.jp