Joe Bloggs

Todaiji

First impressions last the longest and are the most difficult to erase. I first visited Nara in the summer of 1983 and the oppressive heat scarred me permanently and my memories are of a dry and sterile landscape. A great shame that, because the city of Nara ought to be commended for its considerably efforts in maintaining a city of character and Kyoto administrators could learn a lesson or two (or three hundred) in how to preserve culture without sacrificing modernity. The secret? Issue preservation certificates and uphold them. The dodgy picture above (click on it for slightly better detail) is of Todaiji, which is the largest wooden structure in the world and houses a giant Buddha.