Picture of the Week Nio Guardians at Nandai-mon Todai-ji Nara

These two fierce looking guardian statues protect the main entrance to Todai-ji in Nara, which is the 13th century Nandai-mon. The statues were carved in 1203 by the sculptor Unkei, and are more than 8 meters tall. They are considered some of the finest wooden statues in all of Japan, if not the world. They are really impressive and look like they could spring to life at any moment.

Todai-ji in Nara is opened from

8:00am to 4:30pm (November to February)
8:00am to 5:00pm (March)
7:30am to 5:30pm (April to September)
7:30am to 5:00pm (October)

Admission is ¥500 for adults and ¥300 for children