 Last additions - Nara city 奈良市 |
Roof tile used in the reconstruction.May 30, 2010
|
|
Paintings on the ceiling.May 30, 2010
|
|
Paintings on the ceiling.May 30, 2010
|
|
The ceiling has hand-painted flowers.May 30, 2010
|
|
Life-size model of the Shibi ornament atop the roof's ridge.May 30, 2010
|
|
They had a large stage out front on the day I visited and these ribbons attached to the building.May 30, 2010
|
|
The Daigokuden Hall's front gate, called Suzaku Gate, can be seen.May 30, 2010
|
|
Behind the Takamikura Throne.May 30, 2010
|
|
We could also go outside on the balcony and see a good view.May 30, 2010
|
|
It looks like a portable shrine.May 30, 2010
|
|
Phoenix atop the Takamikura Throne.May 30, 2010
|
|
Design pattern on the Takamikura Throne panels.May 30, 2010
|
|
Top of the Takamikura ThroneMay 30, 2010
|
|
Takamikura Throne where the emperor sat when there was an audience.May 30, 2010
|
|
About the Takamikura Throne in English.May 30, 2010
|
|
Takamikura ThroneMay 30, 2010
|
|
This thing is so nice that they should get a real emperor's coronation or enthronement here someday.May 30, 2010
|
|
About the excavation of Former Imperial Audience Hall in English.May 30, 2010
|
|
About the Former Imperial Audience Hall in English.May 30, 2010
|
|
About the Former Imperial Audience Hall in English.May 30, 2010
|
|
Panel displays explaining about the Former Imperial Audience Hall.May 30, 2010
|
|
Inside the Former Imperial Audience Hall. In the center was the Emperor's Takamikura Throne.May 30, 2010
|
|
On the railing are decorative jewel balls in different colors. May 30, 2010
|
|
But now, anyone can enter this reconstruction for free. There was a long line, but it proceeded quickly and it took only 10-min. or so to get in.May 30, 2010
|
|
On the balcony of the Former Imperial Audience Hall before entering the building through a side entrance.May 30, 2010
|
|
On the railing are decorative jewel balls in different colors. May 30, 2010
|
|
This was the center of the capital and symbol of state authority. Only high-ranked aristocrats were allowed to enter the Daikokuden Hall.May 30, 2010
|
|
I took this Kintetsu Line train at Kyoto Station. You should also bring your passport which will enable you to enter a few Heijo-kyo attractions for free.May 30, 2010
|
|
The Daigokuden Hall (Former Imperial Audience Hall) is a magnificent reconstruction. This was where the emperor performed his duties during the Nara Period. 大極殿May 30, 2010
|
|
This is the heart of the Heijo Palace site. The focal point is the Daigokuden Hall (Former Imperial Audience Hall) in the distance. 大極殿・前庭May 30, 2010
|
|
I went during Golden Week when they had flowers and various events and entertainment. I recommend visiting here on a weekend or holiday period. That's when they have more events and entertainment. The crowds are not unbearable.May 30, 2010
|
|
It was 1,300 years ago in 710 when Japan's capital was moved to this place in Nara. Hence, the 1300th anniversary celebration in 2010.May 30, 2010
|
|
Path toward the central area. The Daigokuden Imperial Audience Hall is in the distance on the left. This Heijo-kyo area is a National Special Historic Site.May 30, 2010
|
|
Arrows and Sento-kun point the way. Or just follow the crowd.May 30, 2010
|
|
I arrived at Yamato Saidaiji Station which is within walking distance to the Heijo-kyo site. You can also go to JR Nara Station and ride a free shuttle bus to the Heijo Palace site.May 30, 2010
|
|
I first heard about Nara's 1300th anniversary a few years ago through this mascot named Sento-kun. A boy priest with deer antlers was so absurd that he has become very popular and recognizable.May 30, 2010
|
|
Only 10 torches are lit. Most photos show a time-lapse shot which lights up the entire hall. Tripod required though, and you need to be a press photographer.Mar 08, 2007
|
|
The torch walk ends in 20 min. Police and firemen are present.Mar 08, 2007
|
|
The priest runs while spinning the torch on the balcony. Also see the video at YouTube.Mar 08, 2007
|
|
Large crowd behind us. Tripods are not allowed.Mar 08, 2007
|
|
The torch is positioned at the corners. It is totally dark when the torches are lit.Mar 08, 2007
|
|
Every evening during March 1-14, Todaiji temple priests carry torches on the balcony of Nigatsu-do Hall. Sparks falling from the torches bring good health. Todaiji temple 二月堂Mar 08, 2007
|
|
Jan 22, 2006
|
|
Jan 22, 2006
|
|
Crawl through a pillarJan 22, 2006
|
|
Jan 22, 2006
|
|
Jan 22, 2006
|
|
Jan 22, 2006
|
|
Jan 22, 2006
|
|
Rear viewJan 22, 2006
|
|
Todaiji TempleJan 22, 2006
|
|
Great BuddhaJan 22, 2006
|
|
Japan's largest Buddha statue in Todaiji. National Treasure.Jan 22, 2006
|
|
Todaiji TempleJan 22, 2006
|
|
Path to TodaijiJan 22, 2006
|
|
Gate godJan 22, 2006
|
|
Jan 22, 2006
|
|
A World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous temples, Todaiji houses Japan's largest statue of the Buddha, a National Treasure. Temple was established about 1,200 years ago.Jan 22, 2006
|
|
Burn baby burn...The fire is put out by 9 pm. Unless you're near the fire, it can get very cold, so dress warmly for this festival.Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Bon fire burnsJan 21, 2006
|
|
Jan 21, 2006
|
|
The hill behind also starts to burn.Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Other torches are thrown in.Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Jan 21, 2006
|
|
The sacred torch lights the bonfire at around 6 pm.You can also see three lanterns for Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Kofukuji Temple. This is a joint festival between these three temples and shrine.Jan 21, 2006
|
|
The crowdJan 21, 2006
|
|
Ceremony at Nogami ShrineJan 21, 2006
|
|
FireworksJan 21, 2006
|
|
The sacred torch is brought.Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Volunteeer firemen and staff hike up the hills.Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Sacred torch arrives at the foot of the hill.The sacred torch is lit at Kasuga Taisha Shrine and brought to Nogami Shrine in a torch procession. It is a small shrine at the foot of the hill.Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Deer on the hillJan 21, 2006
|
|
Volunteer firement gather before going up the hill.The hill set alight by 300 volunteer firemen from all over Nara and prefectural workers who climb up the hill.Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Water bagsThe third item the volunteer firemen carry are water bags. The water bag is filled with water weighing 20 kg or so. A nozzle is also attached. It is used to extinguish the fire.Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Bon fire siteJan 21, 2006
|
|
Bamboo torchesThe bamboo torches is filled with kerosene and plugged with cotton cloth. They are used to set the hill afire. Jan 21, 2006
|
|
The deer have no idea what danger they are in...Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Bamboo torches and bamboo broomsThe bamboo torches is filled with kerosene and plugged with cotton cloth. They are used to set the hill afire. The bamboo brooms are used to spread the fire or extinguish it. The brooms burn up by the end of the festival.Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Bamboo torches and bamboo broomsThe bamboo torches is filled with kerosene and plugged with cotton cloth. They are used to set the hill afire. The bamboo brooms are used to spread the fire or extinguish it. The brooms burn up by the end of the festival.Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Dry grass ready to burn...Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Volunteer firemenThe hill set alight by 300 volunteer firemen and prefectural workers who climb up the hill.Jan 21, 2006
|
|
On the Sunday before the second Monday of Jan., 33 hectares of a hill called Wakakusa-yama (seen in the distance here) next to Nara Park is burned at night.The burning hill looks more spectacular from afar, but we went up close.Jan 21, 2006
|
|
Wakakusa-yama hill in JanuaryWakakusa-yama hill actually has three hills. We see only the first one here.Jan 21, 2006
|
|
|
|
|
