The most exciting place in Japan
Where is the
most exciting place in Japan? Is it Tokyo with a population greater than the
whole of Canada? Is it Kyoto which boasts some of the most beautiful temples in
Japan? Is it Okinawa with it`s wonderful beaches and exciting history of
Karate?
The most
exciting place in Japan in my opinion happens to be where you are living at the
moment. If you ask people living in the small cities “What is the best place in
your town?” They will probably say `The train station. ` because it gets them
to Osaka, Kyoto, anywhere outside their dreary little world. However if you
explore you will be certain to find many undiscovered gems.
In Nara just on
the outside of the main park temples and the must visit Todaiji temple sit two smaller temples. Toshodaiji and Yakushiji. Located on the Kintetsu Kashihara line
between the stations on Amagatsuji and Nishinokyo these two temples are beautiful
examples of earliest Buddhist structures.
Toshodaiji was
built around 754 by a Chinese monk on the Nanzen school by the name of Ganjin.
His journey to Japan encountered much hardship and trials with him eventually
losing his eyesight before he arrived. This was the time when Buddhism was
first beginning in Japan and after the construction of Todaiji temple.
The temple
itself is a beautiful reconstruction of 8th century architecture (it
was reconstructed in 1963) and bears a row of pillars similar to those found on
Greek temples. In fact it is suggested that the temple is one of the ending
routes of the Silk Road. Finally even in the hot summer the grounds retain a
coolness that provide a respite from the harsh weather.
Yakushiji, located
just south of Toshodaiji was built in 680 by Tenmu, the emperor responsible for
the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki, to pray for the recovery of his wife Jito. Built
with two pagodas in the Dragon Palace style it burned down several times over
the centuries but has been reconstructed and continues to invoke feelings of security and soothing peace. The statues located in the temple are designated national treasures and the most famous of them, the Yakushi Triad were donated by
Empress Jito after the death of her husband. In fact it is customary to go to
Yakushiji to pray when stricken by illness in hopes of a recovery.
About Yakushiji Temple | yakushiji
In addition the
area around these temples is quite rural there is a kofun celebrating the 11th
emperor Suinin who is said to have reigned from 29 BCE to 70 AD. Information on
him is largely missing and his name was given to him later in the histories. Whether
he existed or not is largely up to speculation. However he is venerated at the
shrine in Amagatsuji known as Sugiwara no Fushimi no higashi no misasagi.
What all this
means?
Nara is not the
most vibrant city and it`s nightlife shuts down around 10pm. However it is one
of the most popular tourist spots in Japan. That said most people go to Nara
park, explore the temples around there. Feed the deer. Take pictures and then
head back to Osaka or Kyoto for dinner and shopping. Nara has so much to offer
that not exploring it is a waste of a visit. Move off the beaten tracks and search
out the places that don`t have the best souvenirs’ and explore other places.
You won`t regret it and be astounded by the beauty and serenity of the places.
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