Nandaimon Gate

Standing as the monumental entrance to Todai-ji Temple, Nandaimon Gate is a National Treasure of Japan and a masterpiece of medieval wooden architecture. Completed in 1203, this massive double-tiered gate is famous for housing two soaring, 8-meter-tall Nio Guardian statues carved by the legendary sculptor Unkei. Visitors can expect to walk under its towering pillars alongside Nara's famous free-roaming deer while marveling at the sheer scale and raw, unpainted beauty of the timber structure.

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