大安寺

Daian-ji is a Buddhist temple set on expansive grounds in southern Nara, with the remains of two ancient pagoda foundations visible within its precinct. The layout feels open and relaxed, allowing visitors to walk along quiet paths past stone foundations and garden spaces.

The temple was founded in 639 during Emperor Jomei's reign before being relocated to its present Nara location in 716, where it became one of the Seven Great Temples. This move reflected the broader urban planning of the newly established city.

The temple houses nine Buddhist statues from the Tenpyo period, including representations of Kannon and the Four Heavenly Kings, recognized as Important Cultural Properties. These sculptures reflect the artistic skill of an early era in Japanese Buddhist art.

Visitors can reach the temple by taking a bus from JR Nara Station to the Daian-ji stop, followed by a brief walk. The site is easy to navigate and well-marked, making it straightforward to find your way around.

Temple records from 747 indicate that around 887 scholar monks studied here, establishing it as a major center of Buddhist learning. This level of academic activity was unusual for its time and reveals the intellectual importance the place held.