Images of Japan IV (2010-2012)

Japan

Nara, Japan

Heijo-kyo (Imperial Palace of Nara)

Todai-ji

Notes:

The Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden of Todai-ji is the largest wooden building in the world & houses the largest bronze statue of the Vairocana Buddha (daibutsu) in the world. Sika deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in Shinto & particular symbols of Buddhist Nara, roam the temple grounds.

Kasuga Taisha

Kofuku-ji Temple

Notes:

Many claim that the five-tiered pagoda of the Japan Pavilion at Epcot at WDW is based on the pagoda at Kofuku-ji. Some claim, however, that it is based on the nearby pagoda at Horyu-ji.

Horyu-ji Temple

Notes:

The pagoda at Horyu-ji is believed to be among the oldest wooden buildings in the world. Horyu-ji Temple, although not within the official limits of Nara, is nearby.

Many claim that the five-tiered pagoda of the Japan Pavilion at Epcot at WDW is based on the pagoda at Kofuku-ji, but some claim that it is based on the pagoda at Horyu-ji.

Notes:

Nara was the the first permanent capital of Japan, during the Nara period, from 710 to 784. Nara was the center of Buddhism during this time, & the Emperor moved the capital to Nagaoka in 784 due to the excessive influence of the Buddhist monasteries of Nara over the government.

Images of Japan Page I—General Thoughts, Camp Zama, Yokohama, Odawara, & Okinawa
Images of Japan Page II—Kamakura, Hakone, & Nikko
Images of Japan Page III—Kyoto
Images of Japan Page V—Tokyo & Mt Fuji

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