Toshodai-ji temple in Nara, Japan ©Yasufumi Nishi/© JNTO

For the first time since it was built in the 8th century, a temple in the ancient Japanese capital of Nara will open its doors to the public.
Toshodai-ji Temple will be open on November 3rd to commemorate the first anniversary of the completion of extensive -- and long-running -- renovation work.
The restoration work began in 2000 and it took nearly a decade for the work to be completed.
Much of the temple and its grounds have been designated as a national treasure as the main hall is the last remaining example of a structure from the Nara Period, which ran from 710 AD to 794 AD.
This year, the city has staged a series of events to mark the 74 years during which the city was the capital of feudal Japan.
Toshodai-ji is the head temple of the Ritsu sect of Buddhism and the building initially served as a prince's residence. Nearby, the five-storey pagoda was erected in 810 AD.
During the renovation work, experts identified a length of timber that had been cut in 781 AD and believe that was the year in which the main hall was constructed.
Nine statues of Buddha that are inside the main hall are also protected as national treasures and could only previously be seen from outside, with even Buddhist monks only permitted to enter the building as part of their duties.
"We have decided to open the hall to the public to express our gratitude to all those who were involved in the renovation work," head priest Kyoon Horiki told reporters at the announcement of the opening of the hall.
"I hope visitors will enjoy looking at the beautifully renovated building and the meticulous designs of the Buddhist statues," he said.
JR

Published 29.10.2010