Hochner Family Blog

With Akiko, we always had some interest for the cultural Unesco sites. Nara, city located near the famous Kyoto doesn’t get the interest level it deserves. It is however a must for any visitor to Japan.

Nara (Heijo-kyo) was, in 710 the first capital of the then Yamato state. Among the numerous touristic spots to see, our favorite is without doubt the Daibutsu, Great Buddha, hosted in the Todai-Ji temple.

This Todaïjï temple and the Daibutsu, great Buddha, are THE symbol of Nara. Built in 743 on the order of Emperor Shomu, this Buddha was finished in 752. Like all Japanese wooden temples, this structure burnt twice during the centuries, in 1180 and 1567. The current building protecting the great Buddha was built in 1709. This Daibutsu Vairochana statue is 16 meter tall and weights some 450 tons. The wooden structure hosting the Daibutsu is 47 meter high, 57 meter long and 50 meter wide – it is the largest wooden structure in the world!

# posted by Famille Hochner @ 7:35 PM