A temple from the year 752 that houses the Great Buddha: 15 meters and 500 tons of bronze, seated in the half-light. The hall that shelters it, the Daibutsuden, is the largest wooden structure in the world. Inside, one pillar has a hole the size of the Buddha's nostril: they say passing through it brings enlightenment. It sits within Nara's deer park.
💡 Getting there: a 20-min walk from JR Nara, inside Nara Park. 🕐 7:30–17:30 (Apr–Oct), 8:00–17:00 (Nov–Mar). 💴 ¥800. 🗿 Daibutsu (Great Buddha): 15 m tall, 500 tons of bronze, year 752. 🌲 The Great Hall (Daibutsuden) is the largest wooden structure in the world. 🕳️ The "Buddha's nostril" hole in a pillar: passing through it grants enlightenment, according to legend.