Tōshōdai-ji Temple

Welcome to Toh-shoh-die-jee, a temple of immense historical and spiritual significance located in the Nishinokyo area of Nara. This temple is a monument to the extraordinary perseverance of Ganjin Wajoh, a high-ranking Chinese…

The Kon-doh, or Golden Hall, of Toh-shoh-die-jee is widely considered the quintessential example of eighth-century Japanese architecture. It is the largest surviving structure from the Nara period, and its design reflects the…

In a quiet corner of the temple grounds stands the Mie-ee-doh, a hall dedicated to the memory of Ganjin Wajoh. Within this hall is one of the most famous portrait sculptures in all of Japan: a dry-lacquer statue of Ganjin…

To the north of the Kon-doh sits the Koh-doh, or Lecture Hall. This building is unique in Nara because it is an actual piece of the eighth-century Imperial Palace that was moved to Toh-shoh-die-jee. …

As you wander the grounds of Toh-shoh-die-jee, you will encounter numerous lotus ponds. These are not merely decorative; they are deeply symbolic. …

Located in the northernmost part of the precinct, in a secluded and wooded area, is the Kaie-ee-poh, or the tomb of Ganjin Wajoh. This is one of the most sacred spots in the temple. …

Toh-shoh-die-jee also possesses two ancient wooden storehouses, or 'Koo-rah,' known as the Hoh-zoo and the Kyoh-zoo. These structures are built in the 'Aze-koo-rah' style, similar to the famous Shosoin at Todaiji, using…

As we conclude our tour of Toh-shoh-die-jee, we are left with a profound appreciation for the man Ganjin Wajoh and the legacy he left behind. This temple is a testament to the fact that faith and culture are not bound by borders,…