Saidai-ji Temple

Nara
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Saidai-ji Temple in Nara City is the head temple of the Shingon Risshu sect, which once boasted a massive precinct rivaling Todai-ji. Today, the Main Hall enshrining the Shaka Nyorai statue (an Important Cultural Property) stands within a calm and quiet environment. It is especially famous for the "Ōchamori" (Great Tea Ceremony), a traditional event started by Eison Shonin in the Kamakura period where tea is passed and drunk from a bowl larger than a person's face. This event symbolizes the spirit of "Wa" (harmony) by sharing a bowl of tea among many people and is open to travelers. Unlike flashy tourist spots, this temple has profound charm where one can touch traditional Japanese religious life and the spiritual culture of caring for others.

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Videos & photographs of cultural properties -Saidaiji Temple- in Japanese with English subtitles

World Heritage Division, Nara Prefectural Government

Saidai-ji Temple

Address: 1-1-5 Saidaiji Shiba-machi, Nara-shi, Nara
Website: http://saidaiji.or.jp/
Operator: Saidai-ji Temple

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