Our Prefecture

Todai-ji Temple is the most popular temple in Nara Prefecture because it houses the Great Buddha in the Daibutsuden (The Great Buddha Hall).

The temple was originally founded in 728 as Kinsho-ji Temple, a place where the spirit of Crown Prince Motoi could repose. Then in 749, the Great Buddha was completed, and
in 752 a lavish consecration ceremony was held inviting priests from all over Asia.

The Hall is magnificent and is also the biggest wooden building in the world. Its height is 49m and the width is about 57m. The building is the Main Hall of Todai-ji Temple, which had been destroyed twice by fire, first in 1180 and then again in 1567.

Todai-ji Temple is one of Japan's famous World Cultural Heritage Sites which also
include Kasuga-taisha Shrine, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple (which are alllocated in Nara), and others.