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Main Hall (Kondo)

The kondo of Toshodaiji Temple is designated a national treasure as no other Japanese temple retains such a Nara period structure. In 2005 the Nara Prefectural Board of Education announced that hinoki timber cut in 781AD was used in constructing the kondo and using this data as a focal point, the kondo of Toshodaiji Temple is thereby presumed constructed post 781AD. The front of the hall has a colonnade of eight pillars and its magnificent appearance has fascinated people for centuries as have the three main images of Rushana Buddha, Yakushi Buddha and Senju (1,000-armed) Kannon-bosatsu. Statues of Bonten and Taishakuten stand on both side of the main images and statues of Shinenno (Four Guardian Kings) are to be found in the four corners of the hall. The kondo is currently under reconstruction and will be completed in 2010.

Lecture Hall (Kodo) The kodo of the temple is a reconstruction of Higashichoshu-den and was moved from Heijo Palace. When moved the roof design was restyled in the current gabled and hipped style. In 1275 the kodo was renovated and is extremely valuable as the only structure retaining the style of a Tenpyo period palace.



Miei-do used to be Ichijo-in Temple, a branch of the main Kofuku-ji Temple and is home to a statue of the priest Ganjin. The statue is only exhibited from June 5th to the 7th to celebrate his memorial day. Miei-do was reconstructed in the Shinden style in 1964 and was moved to Toshodai-ji Temple where it now stands.