Comments on: Gango-ji Temple in Nara

By: Norman

Norman — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 12:37:21 +0000

Haha - you call it templed out and i call it the Shrine Sickness 😉 so easy to get in the greater region of Nara/Kyoto.

In my opinion that ilness really doesn't exist - however u do have to time your visits a bit. Most Japanese temples and shrines will have spectacular festivals throughout the year (like your report clearly shows). These are almost always amazing.

By: Vicky and Buddy

Vicky and Buddy — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 17:04:34 +0000

What a lovely experience. I thought it was interesting how in the beginning you said many people were "templed out" and that you could never relate. I had a similare experience in Europe but with churches. My ex-husband would said he was "churched out" and would just sit in a pew while I continued to meander around and take it all in. Not everyone gets it the way we do ;)

By: Valerie

Valerie — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 06:48:31 +0000

I have been hearing so much about Japan lately, I must visit there soon! What great timing though being there for the celebration! That would definitely make it extra special I think, seeing how much it means to everybody there celebrating.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 02:40:09 +0000

Though the smoke was a little overwhelming I can imagine just how amazing it would be to experience such a ceremony and cultural rite!

By: Alli

Alli — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 00:25:25 +0000

I'd love to watch a Buddhist service like that. So special! I hope I can get to Japan soon! I'd love to visit Nara, it just looks so sweet, quaint, and beautiful.

By: deafinitelywanderlust

deafinitelywanderlust — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 18:42:57 +0000

My friend and I didn't have a chance to visit Nara when we went to Japan, although we wished we did. I would love to check out the temples and the ceremony. Although many temples are similar, like you said they all have their own history. The next time I am in Japan, Nara is a must for me so I will keep this place in mind 🙂

By: chrysoula

chrysoula — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 18:24:31 +0000

Very nice temple! Although I have been to Japan I haven;t been to this temple in Nara. I particularly like the lighting of the bonfire

By: Travelwith2ofus

Travelwith2ofus — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 05:27:26 +0000

Asian culture and history has always interested me. I have yet to make my first trip to Asia, but I am learning as much as I can before I go. After reading your post about the Gango-ji Temple I definitely want to visit.

By: Vanessa

Vanessa — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 04:02:13 +0000

This looks like an amazing experience. I too would be in trouble if I had to kneel that long!

By: twoaussietravellers@yahoo.com

twoaussietravellers@yahoo.com — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 04:26:08 +0000

In reply to Fairlie. They are memorial stones, some are very old ones. Historically these don't mark graves, bodies were cremated and ashes retained by the family. These stones would have been moved, probably multiple times as the temple grounds shrunk over the centuries the stones would be moved and grouped together, the stone lanterns in Nara Park are also memorials. There's no marking relating to the person being remembered but many featured the Bodhisattva Jizo.