Toshodai-ji

Toshodai-ji is a temple established by a Chinese Buddhist monk, Ganjin, as a place for Buddhist training in 759. It is a historical temple with a number of buildings designated as national treasures. The temple ground is extensive and has various plants in it. Especially the pathway leading to the graveyard of Ganjin is lined with a lot of plants and a stroll here will rejuvenate you. You can also see a lot of small white flowers bloom all over the temple grounds in spring. This flower was imported from China, the native soil of Ganjin.

(Source: とりあえずの写真日記)

Seated Rushana-butsu

As you enter the gate at the entrance and walk along the path, you see Kondo, the hall designated as a national treasure. There are three Buddha statues also designated as national treasures. The one in the center of these three is the most important statue, Seated Rushana-butsu, which is the principal object of worship here. This is the one you should visit first in Toshodai-ji.

The Graveyard of Ganjin

There is the graveyard of Ganjin at the rear end of the temple ground. It is surrounded by a lot of trees and moss bringing about a forest-like atmosphere. Many people visit here although this is the farthest spot from the entrance gate.

(Source: ちょこます)

Seasonal Flowers

In spring, you can see the flower of Ganjin’s hometown, Yoshu, China, blooming all over the temple grounds. In summer, you can see pink and white lotuses and irises bloom in the pond. Different flowers of each season is one of the fascinating points of Toshodai-ji.