The Guardian Through a Thousand Years: First Visit to the South Great Gate of Todai-ji

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The South Great Gate of Todai-ji stands tall in Nara City as Japan’s largest temple gate, reaching an impressive height of 25.46 meters. This national treasure was originally built in the Kamakura period (framework raised in 1199, completed in 1203) and reconstructed by the monk Chogen in the Song Dynasty "Daibutsuyō" style. Eighteen massive 21-meter pillars support the irimoya-style roof, and the design without a ceiling showcases the beauty of the structure, leaving visitors in awe of ancient craftsmanship. Inside the gate stand two 8.4-meter Kongōrikishi statues, led by Unkei and Kaikei, completed in just 69 days, glaring fiercely at each other to guard for a thousand years.

Standing beneath the gate, I felt the weight of history and the greatness of human effort. The silent wood and stone seemed to whisper tales of past wars and revival, deeply moving.

Transportation: Take the JR or Kintetsu Nara Station city loop bus to "Daibutsuden Kasuga Taisha-mae," then a 5-minute walk

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Post by 湯馬士火車頭 | Mar 17, 2025