Find Deep Real Japan: Statues of Buddha as Japanese Great Artistic Sculptures

You might think it's religious and historical matters hearing statues of Buddha. It's true but it's also great art I am proud of as Japanese. There are many kinds of statues of Buddha and main actors are statues located center in temples called Nyorai, Bosatsu. But I prefer more supporting actors like Ten, which look more realistic and dynamic. I compare them even with Michelangelo's or historical Greek or Roman sculpｔures.

Also some one brings me image of Fantasy story.

Although you can find many dynamic sculptures in Japan but Nara and Kyoto which are famous as historical, traditional and beautiful place with many temples and shrines are also the best place to see the statues of Buddha. Here I'd like to write down where, how and which you can see with my experiences and recommendation.

Statues of Buddha in Nara 1

I love Kyoto because the city has good atmosphere with beautiful historical architectures and attractive restaurants and bars which would relax me and I have no objection to opinion that Kyoto is the best city to visit in Japan. But if I would like to see the statues of Buddha, first I will go to Nara rather than Kyoto which is neighboring city of Kyoto and the capital of Japan from 710 A.D. to 784 A.D. before Kyoto because Nara has the most statues of Buddha in Japan and quality is also very good including dynamic one. I would like to tell my preferable temples and museum step by step like Kofukuji, Todaiji, Nara national museum, Shinyakushiji, Murouji, etc.

Kofukuji　(興福寺)

Kofukuji is very old temple and told that its origin had established in 669 A.D. and there are good architectures including a five story pagoda. But also they are keeping many statues of Buddha including many national treasures.

Recently they built new building of national treasure museum where you can see many statues of Buddha, painting and other art with good lighting. I recommend you to visit "Hokuendo(北円堂)" which is one of temple building of the Kofukuji because there are two of the best realistic sculpture made of wood which are called "Muchaku, Seshin ryuzo" but unfortunately it opens only on limited term. (Usually open two times, spring and autumn of every year. For 2014 autumn, open from Oct.25th to Nov.9th)