Todaiji is a historic temple known for its majestic Great Buddha of Nara and one of the world's largest wooden Great Buddha halls. When you step inside, the sense of solemnity and awe is truly something photos can't capture.
Behind the Great Buddha is a wooden pillar with a hole in it, said to be about the same size as the Buddha's nostril. Legend has it that if you can crawl through it, you'll be blessed with good health and protection from misfortune. Thinking back to my first visit to Nara, I was young and a little reckless. When I saw everyone lining up, I crawled in without hesitation, and to my surprise, I actually made it through! But when I visited again later, I wasn't as brave. I looked at the opening and decided to "just admire it," worried I'd crawl in and get stuck (lol).
