Saidaiji Temple

Founded in 765 by imperial order of Empress Shotoku, this historic ancient temple was counted among the Seven Great Temples of Nanto. At its height, more than 100 temple buildings stood across its vast grounds, but it temporarily declined during the Heian period due to the capital's relocation and repeated natural disasters. It was later revived in the Kamakura period by Eison as a training hall for Shingon Ritsu Buddhism.

The temple grounds still retain the Main Hall, Shio-do Hall, and Aizen-do Hall, all built in the mid-Edo period, and they enshrine sacred figures including a standing statue of Shaka Nyorai and a seated statue of Aizen Myoo. The Main Hall is a massive early modern Buddhist hall built in the 18th century and is designated an Important Cultural Property as the largest temple hall in Nara City.

The temple is also well known for the Ochamori tea ceremony, said to have originated from the tea service that Eison once offered to common people. In this unique ritual, participants share matcha from a giant tea bowl larger than a person's face, and it is still held twice a year, in spring and fall. Special public viewings of hidden Buddhist statues in Aizen-do Hall and special openings of the Shuhokan treasure house are also held several times a year. Be sure to check the official website for event dates.