[Nara Prefecture] The only place in Japan where you can worship the Sakura Buddha: Tobosanji Temple

Tsubosakadera is a temple that is said to cure eye diseases and stands on Mount Tsubosaka, which overlooks the Nara Basin, one of the three mountains of Yamato. The temple grounds, which have ties to India, display many Buddhist sculptures related to Hinduism in Gandhara, giving it an exotic atmosphere that you would never expect in a Japanese temple. The highlight of Tsubosakadera is the 10m-tall Great Buddha "Tenjiku Torai" "Great Shaka Nyorai Stone Statue" In spring, it is surrounded by cherry blossoms, and is also known as the "Sakura Buddha" because it looks like it is wearing a cherry blossom shawl. In recent years, it has become so popular that during the season, it is common to wait for 2 hours to park. In the worst cases, it can be 3 to 4 hours. In addition, there is a huge queue at the Sakura Buddha worship platform in the temple grounds, where you have to wait another hour. It takes a lot of patience to capture the Sakura Buddha on camera. However, it is worth it to see the blessed Sakura Buddha, which makes you feel like you are worshiping the Pure Land. By the way, the main image of this temple is a Buddha who can seal away eye diseases. Some Buddhas donate glasses to the Buddha, It's quite unique. Finally, another famous feature of this temple is the "Daihina Mandala," one of the largest in Japan. Among the approximately 4,000 Hina dolls, there are some playful and unusual dolls that were popular at the time. It's like a treasure hunt. Address: 3 Tsubosaka, Takatori-cho, Takaichi-gun, Nara Prefecture Opening hours: 8:30-17:00 Open all year round Admission fee: 800 yen for adults, 200 yen for high school students and younger, free for infants (5 years and younger) Parking fee: 1,200 yen for regular cars per car *Only during cherry blossom viewing season, usually 300 yen per 30 minutes #Seasonal places in Japan #Nara Prefecture #Famous cherry blossom spots #Shrines and temples #Amazing views