710710–752 · Nara

Nara and the Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji

The vast wooden Great Buddha Hall of Tōdai-ji in Nara behind a green lawn — Photo: 663highland. CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

In 710 Japan's court settled at Heijō-kyō, a grid-planned capital modelled on Tang China's Chang'an. Emperor Shōmu, seeking divine protection during epidemics and revolts, ordered a colossal bronze Buddha, consecrated at Tōdai-ji in 752 with guests from as far as India. Nara's temples and the imperial storehouse show how Buddhism and Chinese-style government took root in Japan.

Religious & Pilgrimage
Royalty & Monarchy
Architecture & Urban History
Kyoto, Japan

Sites

Site 1: Tōdai-ji Great Buddha HallHuge wooden hall housing the 15-metre bronze Buddha.Map ↗
Site 2: Nara Palace Site (Heijō-kyō)Open palace grounds with the rebuilt Suzaku Gate and Audience Hall.Map ↗