Ancient Temple Dreams: Reflections at Todai-ji

Day 1 In the early morning, I departed from Kyoto and took a train to Nara to visit the thousand-year-old Todai-ji Temple. Upon entering the temple, the first sight that greeted me was the majestic South Gate, with its lifelike wooden statues of the Nio Guardians, seemingly narrating the long history. Walking into the Great Buddha Hall, I was awestruck by the 15-meter-tall gilded Buddha, whose solemn and serene presence left me breathless. At noon, I enjoyed a warm bowl of matcha and wagashi at a small teahouse within the temple, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. In the afternoon, I strolled through the nearby Deer Park, interacting with the leisurely sika deer, feeling the blend of nature and history. As evening approached, the sunset painted the eaves of Todai-ji red, and in that moment, it felt like traveling back to the Tang Dynasty. Day 2 The next day, I chose to explore the surroundings of Todai-ji. In the early morning, I visited Kasuga Taisha, admiring the ancient stone lanterns in the forest, feeling the tranquility and solemnity. Then, I walked to Mount Wakakusa, where I enjoyed a panoramic view of Nara from the top, a sight that was truly refreshing. In the afternoon, I returned to Naramachi, exploring traditional townhouses and experiencing the local history and culture. Finally, I passed by Todai-ji once more, reluctantly bidding farewell and returning to Kyoto with a heart full of memories. Todai-ji is not only a symbol of history but also a haven of inner peace. Each time I look back, I can still feel the compassionate gaze of the solemn Buddha statue.