東大寺を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・概要・10の質問・詳細情報を通して、東大寺に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報です。
- 東大寺の基本情報
- 8世紀（752年）に聖武天皇によって創建
- ユネスコ世界遺産「古都奈良の文化財」の一部
- 大きな大仏（盧舎那仏）が有名、世界最大級の青銅製仏像で高さ約15メートル
- 大仏殿
- 世界最大級の木造建築
- 江戸時代（1709年）に再建されたが元はもっと大きかった
- 見どころ
- 奈良公園
- 東大寺の周辺にある広大な公園
- 鹿が神聖な存在として自由に歩き回っている
2人が東大寺について話しています。
東大寺の歴史、巨大な大仏や大仏殿などの建築物、お水取りの儀式、奈良公園の鹿などを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, I’ve been really interested in Tōdai-ji recently. Have you ever been there?
Yeah, I visited last year! It’s such an amazing place. What got you interested in it?
I was reading about its history and the Great Buddha. I mean, it’s one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, right?
Exactly. The statue is about 15 meters tall, and it’s housed in the Great Buddha Hall, which is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Even the current hall, rebuilt in the Edo period, is still massive!
That’s incredible. I didn’t realize it had to be rebuilt. Do you know why?
Yeah, Tōdai-ji has been damaged several times by fires and wars, but the most significant rebuild was during the Edo period in 1709. The original structure was even bigger!
Wow. The scale of it must have been unbelievable. What other buildings are there?
Aside from Daibutsuden, you’ll find Nandaimon, the Great Southern Gate. It’s guarded by two huge statues called Nio, sculpted by famous artists Unkei and Kaikei. Their expressions are so fierce, like they’re protecting the temple.
That sounds powerful. I read something about Nigatsu-dō as well. Isn’t that where they do the “Omizutori” ceremony?
Yes, exactly. Every March, they have this water-drawing ceremony at Nigatsu-dō. It’s one of the oldest Buddhist rituals in Japan. The view from there is also great—you can see all of Nara city.
I’d love to see that! I’ve heard Nara Park is beautiful too, with all the deer roaming around.
Definitely. The deer are considered sacred, and they’re really friendly. They’ll come right up to you looking for food. It makes walking around the park an interesting experience.
That sounds like fun! The mix of nature and history there seems special. But getting there—how’s the access from, say, Kyoto?
Oh, it’s really easy. From Kyoto, you can take the JR Nara Line to Nara Station, which takes about 45 minutes. Then it’s a 20-minute walk or a quick bus ride to the temple.
Perfect. I was thinking of making a day trip. Are there any other must-see spots in the area?
Well, Hokke-dō is another ancient hall, and you can also check out Shōsō-in. It’s a treasure house full of ancient artifacts from the Nara period. Although you can’t go inside, they display the treasures in museums.
That sounds fascinating. I didn’t know Tōdai-ji was so deeply tied to Japan’s history. It’s even a UNESCO World Heritage Site, right?
Yep, it’s part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.” Its cultural and historical significance is recognized worldwide.
I’m really looking forward to visiting. Learning all this makes me appreciate it even more.
You’re going to love it. There’s so much to take in—from the sheer scale of the buildings to the peaceful atmosphere. It’s an unforgettable experience.
概要 / Overview
「東大寺」について、理解を深めるための「英語での概要」です。
東大寺
Overview of Tōdai-ji
Tōdai-ji is a famous Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan. It was built in the 8th century by Emperor Shōmu to promote Buddhism and bring peace to the country. Tōdai-ji is known for its large bronze statue of Buddha, called the Great Buddha (Daibutsu). The temple is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its cultural and historical importance.
The Great Buddha and the Great Buddha Hall
The Great Buddha at Tōdai-ji is one of the largest bronze statues in the world, standing about 15 meters tall. It is housed in the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), which is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Although the current hall was rebuilt in 1709, it still shows the grandeur of ancient Japanese architecture.
Other Highlights
Besides the Great Buddha, visitors can see Nandaimon, the Great Southern Gate, which is guarded by two large statues called Nio. Another interesting place is Nigatsu-dō, where a famous Buddhist ceremony called “Omizutori” is held every March. The temple is also located in Nara Park, where deer, considered sacred, roam freely.
Access to Tōdai-ji
Tōdai-ji is easy to access from cities like Kyoto and Osaka. Visitors can take the JR Nara Line to Nara Station and then walk or take a short bus ride to the temple.
10の質問 / 10 questions
「東大寺」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: What is Tōdai-ji?
Tōdai-ji is a famous Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan, known for housing one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, called the Great Buddha.
2: When was Tōdai-ji built?
Tōdai-ji was built in the 8th century by Emperor Shōmu to promote Buddhism and bring peace to the country.
3: What is the Great Buddha?
The Great Buddha is a massive bronze statue of Buddha located in Tōdai-ji. It stands about 15 meters tall and is one of the largest bronze statues in the world.
4: What is the Great Buddha Hall?
The Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) is the large wooden building that houses the Great Buddha. It is one of the largest wooden structures in the world.
5: What other buildings are there in Tōdai-ji?
Besides the Great Buddha Hall, there are other important buildings like Nandaimon (the Great Southern Gate), Nigatsu-dō, and Hokke-dō.
6: What is Nandaimon?
Nandaimon is the Great Southern Gate at Tōdai-ji, guarded by two large statues called Nio, which were sculpted by famous artists Unkei and Kaikei.
7: What is the significance of Nigatsu-dō?
Nigatsu-dō is famous for the “Omizutori” ceremony, a traditional Buddhist ritual held every March. It is one of the oldest ceremonies in Japan.
8: Why is Tōdai-ji important?
Tōdai-ji played a key role in spreading Buddhism in Japan and is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance.
9: What animals can you see around Tōdai-ji?
Tōdai-ji is located in Nara Park, where visitors can see deer, which are considered sacred in the area and freely roam around the temple grounds.
10: How can you get to Tōdai-ji?
Visitors can take the JR Nara Line to Nara Station and then either walk for 20 minutes or take a short bus ride to reach Tōdai-ji.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, I’ve been really interested in Tōdai-ji recently. Have you ever been there?
ねえ、キー。最近東大寺にすごく興味があるんだ。行ったことある？
Yeah, I visited last year! It’s such an amazing place. What got you interested in it?
うん、去年行ったよ！本当にすごい場所だよね。どうして興味を持ったの？
I was reading about its history and the Great Buddha. I mean, it’s one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, right?
東大寺の歴史や大仏について読んでたんだ。世界最大級の青銅の仏像だよね？
Exactly. The statue is about 15 meters tall, and it’s housed in the Great Buddha Hall, which is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Even the current hall, rebuilt in the Edo period, is still massive!
そうそう。仏像は高さが約15メートルあって、大仏殿に安置されてるんだ。大仏殿は世界最大級の木造建築だし、江戸時代に再建された今の建物もまだ巨大だよ！
That’s incredible. I didn’t realize it had to be rebuilt. Do you know why?
それはすごいね。再建されたなんて知らなかったよ。どうして再建されたの？
Yeah, Tōdai-ji has been damaged several times by fires and wars, but the most significant rebuild was during the Edo period in 1709. The original structure was even bigger!
うん、東大寺は火事や戦争で何度か被害を受けたんだ。でも一番大きな再建は1709年の江戸時代にあったんだよ。元の建物はもっと大きかったんだ。
Wow. The scale of it must have been unbelievable. What other buildings are there?
うわぁ。それは想像を超える大きさだね。他にはどんな建物があるの？
Aside from Daibutsuden, you’ll find Nandaimon, the Great Southern Gate. It’s guarded by two huge statues called Nio, sculpted by famous artists Unkei and Kaikei. Their expressions are so fierce, like they’re protecting the temple.
大仏殿のほかに南大門もあるよ。これは仁王像が守ってる門で、運慶と快慶っていう有名な彫刻家が作ったんだ。表情がすごく力強くて、まるでお寺を守ってるかのようだよ。
That sounds powerful. I read something about Nigatsu-dō as well. Isn’t that where they do the “Omizutori” ceremony?
それは迫力がありそうだね。二月堂のことも読んだんだけど、そこで「お水取り」の儀式が行われるんじゃない？
Yes, exactly. Every March, they have this water-drawing ceremony at Nigatsu-dō. It’s one of the oldest Buddhist rituals in Japan. The view from there is also great—you can see all of Nara city.
そうだよ。毎年3月に二月堂でお水取りの儀式が行われるんだ。日本で最も古い仏教の儀式の一つなんだよ。それに、そこからは奈良市全体が見渡せて、景色も素晴らしいんだ。
I’d love to see that! I’ve heard Nara Park is beautiful too, with all the deer roaming around.
それはぜひ見てみたいな！奈良公園もすごく美しいって聞いたよ。シカが自由に歩き回ってるんだよね？
Definitely. The deer are considered sacred, and they’re really friendly. They’ll come right up to you looking for food. It makes walking around the park an interesting experience.
そうだね。シカは神聖な存在とされていて、すごく人懐っこいんだよ。エサをねだって近づいてくるから、公園を歩いているだけでも楽しい経験になるよ。
That sounds like fun! The mix of nature and history there seems special. But getting there—how’s the access from, say, Kyoto?
面白そうだね！自然と歴史が一体になってるなんて特別な場所だね。でも行き方はどう？例えば、京都からだとどう行くの？
Oh, it’s really easy. From Kyoto, you can take the JR Nara Line to Nara Station, which takes about 45 minutes. Then it’s a 20-minute walk or a quick bus ride to the temple.
すごく簡単だよ。京都からだとJR奈良線で奈良駅まで行って、約45分かな。それからお寺までは歩いて20分か、バスならすぐに着くよ。
Perfect. I was thinking of making a day trip. Are there any other must-see spots in the area?
完璧だね。日帰り旅行を考えてたんだ。他に見ておくべきスポットってある？
Well, Hokke-dō is another ancient hall, and you can also check out Shōsō-in. It’s a treasure house full of ancient artifacts from the Nara period. Although you can’t go inside, they display the treasures in museums.
そうだね、法華堂も古い建物だし、正倉院も見ておくといいよ。奈良時代の古代の宝物がたくさん保管されているんだ。中には入れないけど、博物館でその宝物が展示されているよ。
That sounds fascinating. I didn’t know Tōdai-ji was so deeply tied to Japan’s history. It’s even a UNESCO World Heritage Site, right?
それは興味深いね。東大寺がそんなに日本の歴史に深く関わっているとは知らなかったよ。それに、ユネスコの世界遺産だよね？
Yep, it’s part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.” Its cultural and historical significance is recognized worldwide.
そうだよ。「古都奈良の文化財」の一部なんだ。文化的・歴史的な重要性が世界的に認められているんだ。
I’m really looking forward to visiting. Learning all this makes me appreciate it even more.
本当に訪れるのが楽しみだよ。これを全部知ったら、ますます感謝の気持ちが湧いてきたよ。
You’re going to love it. There’s so much to take in—from the sheer scale of the buildings to the peaceful atmosphere. It’s an unforgettable experience.
きっと気に入るよ。建物の壮大さや静かな雰囲気、すべてが素晴らしいんだ。忘れられない体験になると思うよ。
概要 / Overview
東大寺
Overview of Tōdai-ji
Tōdai-ji is a famous Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan. It was built in the 8th century by Emperor Shōmu to promote Buddhism and bring peace to the country. Tōdai-ji is known for its large bronze statue of Buddha, called the Great Buddha (Daibutsu). The temple is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its cultural and historical importance.
東大寺は、日本の奈良にある有名な仏教寺院です。8世紀に聖武天皇によって、仏教を広め、国に平和をもたらすために建てられました。東大寺は、大仏（だいぶつ）と呼ばれる巨大な青銅製の仏像で知られています。また、その文化的・歴史的重要性からユネスコの世界遺産にも登録されています。
The Great Buddha and the Great Buddha Hall
The Great Buddha at Tōdai-ji is one of the largest bronze statues in the world, standing about 15 meters tall. It is housed in the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), which is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Although the current hall was rebuilt in 1709, it still shows the grandeur of ancient Japanese architecture.
東大寺の大仏は、世界最大級の青銅製の仏像の一つで、約15メートルの高さがあります。大仏は大仏殿（だいぶつでん）に安置されており、この建物も世界最大級の木造建築の一つです。現在の大仏殿は1709年に再建されたものですが、古代日本の壮大な建築様式を今も伝えています。
Other Highlights
Besides the Great Buddha, visitors can see Nandaimon, the Great Southern Gate, which is guarded by two large statues called Nio. Another interesting place is Nigatsu-dō, where a famous Buddhist ceremony called “Omizutori” is held every March. The temple is also located in Nara Park, where deer, considered sacred, roam freely.
大仏以外にも、訪問者は南大門（なんだいもん）を見ることができます。これは仁王と呼ばれる2体の巨大な像が守っている門です。また、毎年3月に有名な仏教儀式「お水取り」が行われる二月堂（にがつどう）も興味深い場所です。寺院は奈良公園内にあり、神聖とされるシカが自由に歩き回っています。
Access to Tōdai-ji
Tōdai-ji is easy to access from cities like Kyoto and Osaka. Visitors can take the JR Nara Line to Nara Station and then walk or take a short bus ride to the temple.
東大寺へは、京都や大阪などの都市から簡単にアクセスできます。訪問者はJR奈良線で奈良駅まで行き、そこから徒歩か短いバス乗車で寺に到着できます。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What is Tōdai-ji?
東大寺とは何ですか？
Tōdai-ji is a famous Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan, known for housing one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, called the Great Buddha.
東大寺は、日本の奈良にある有名な仏教寺院で、世界最大級の青銅製の仏像である大仏が安置されています。
2: When was Tōdai-ji built?
東大寺はいつ建てられましたか？
Tōdai-ji was built in the 8th century by Emperor Shōmu to promote Buddhism and bring peace to the country.
東大寺は、仏教を広め、国に平和をもたらすために、8世紀に聖武天皇によって建てられました。
3: What is the Great Buddha?
大仏とは何ですか？
The Great Buddha is a massive bronze statue of Buddha located in Tōdai-ji. It stands about 15 meters tall and is one of the largest bronze statues in the world.
大仏は東大寺にある巨大な青銅製の仏像で、高さは約15メートルあり、世界最大級の仏像の一つです。
4: What is the Great Buddha Hall?
大仏殿とは何ですか？
The Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) is the large wooden building that houses the Great Buddha. It is one of the largest wooden structures in the world.
大仏殿は大仏が安置されている巨大な木造建築物で、世界最大級の木造建築の一つです。
5: What other buildings are there in Tōdai-ji?
東大寺には他にどんな建物がありますか？
Besides the Great Buddha Hall, there are other important buildings like Nandaimon (the Great Southern Gate), Nigatsu-dō, and Hokke-dō.
大仏殿のほかに、南大門（二月堂）や法華堂といった重要な建物があります。
6: What is Nandaimon?
南大門とは何ですか？
Nandaimon is the Great Southern Gate at Tōdai-ji, guarded by two large statues called Nio, which were sculpted by famous artists Unkei and Kaikei.
南大門は東大寺の正門で、運慶と快慶という有名な彫刻家によって作られた仁王像2体が守っています。
7: What is the significance of Nigatsu-dō?
二月堂の重要性は何ですか？
Nigatsu-dō is famous for the “Omizutori” ceremony, a traditional Buddhist ritual held every March. It is one of the oldest ceremonies in Japan.
二月堂は、毎年3月に行われる伝統的な仏教儀式「お水取り」で有名で、日本で最も古い儀式の一つです。
8: Why is Tōdai-ji important?
東大寺が重要なのはなぜですか？
Tōdai-ji played a key role in spreading Buddhism in Japan and is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance.
東大寺は日本に仏教を広める上で重要な役割を果たし、その文化的・歴史的重要性からユネスコ世界遺産にも登録されています。
9: What animals can you see around Tōdai-ji?
東大寺の周りでどんな動物が見られますか？
Tōdai-ji is located in Nara Park, where visitors can see deer, which are considered sacred in the area and freely roam around the temple grounds.
東大寺は奈良公園内にあり、訪問者は神聖とされるシカが自由に寺の周辺を歩き回る姿を見ることができます。
10: How can you get to Tōdai-ji?
東大寺へはどうやって行けますか？
Visitors can take the JR Nara Line to Nara Station and then either walk for 20 minutes or take a short bus ride to reach Tōdai-ji.
訪問者はJR奈良線で奈良駅まで行き、そこから徒歩で20分、または短いバスに乗って東大寺に到着できます。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
fierce : 形容詞
意味: 強烈な、激しい、または非常に攻撃的な。Intensely aggressive, strong, or violent.
（南大門の仁王像の力強さや守護する姿を表す）
例文：
- The lion looked fierce as it roared.
「ライオンが吠えるととても獰猛に見えました。」 - She gave a fierce speech in defense of her ideas.
「彼女は自分の考えを擁護するために、激しいスピーチをしました。」 - The competition was fierce in the final round.
「決勝戦は激しい競争でした。」
roam : 動詞
意味: 自由に歩き回る、放浪する。To move around or travel freely without a fixed purpose.
（奈良公園でシカが自由に歩き回る様子を表す）
例文：
- The deer roam freely in Nara Park.
「奈良公園ではシカが自由に歩き回っています。」 - We used to roam the countryside during summer vacation.
「私たちは夏休みに田舎を自由に歩き回ったものです。」 - Wild animals roam the forest in search of food.
「野生動物は食べ物を探して森を歩き回ります。」
artifact : 名詞
意味: 人工の遺物や文化的価値のある物。An object made by humans, especially one of cultural or historical significance.
（正倉院に保管されている古代の宝物を指す）
例文：
- The museum displayed ancient artifacts from Egypt.
「博物館にはエジプトの古代遺物が展示されていました。」 - The archaeologists found several artifacts at the dig site.
「考古学者たちは発掘現場でいくつかの遺物を見つけました。」 - The artifacts in the temple are hundreds of years old.
「寺院にある遺物は何百年も前のものです。」
display : 動詞
意味: 見せる、展示する。To show something, especially for people to view.
（正倉院の宝物が博物館で展示される様子を表す）
例文：
- The artifacts were displayed in a glass case.
「遺物はガラスケースの中に展示されていました。」 - They displayed the new product at the event.
「彼らはイベントで新製品を展示しました。」 - The artist’s work is displayed at the gallery.
「その芸術家の作品はギャラリーに展示されています。」
grandeur : 名詞
意味: 壮大さ、威厳。Greatness or impressive beauty and size.
（東大寺の大仏殿の壮大さを表す）
例文：
- The grandeur of the Great Buddha Hall is breathtaking.
「大仏殿の壮大さは息をのむほどです。」 - The palace was built to show the grandeur of the king.
「その宮殿は王の威厳を示すために建てられました。」 - The mountains were full of natural grandeur.
「その山々は自然の壮大さに満ちていました。」
詳細情報 / Further Info
東大寺の創建と歴史
The Founding of Tōdai-ji
Tōdai-ji was founded in the 8th century by Emperor Shōmu during the Nara period (710–794). At that time, Japan faced many challenges, including disease and natural disasters. Emperor Shōmu believed that Buddhism could help bring peace and stability to the country. He wanted to build a large temple with a Great Buddha statue to protect Japan and support Buddhism.
東大寺の創建
東大寺は、奈良時代（710年〜794年）に聖武天皇によって8世紀に創建されました。当時、日本は病気や自然災害など多くの問題に直面していました。聖武天皇は、仏教が国に平和と安定をもたらすと信じ、大きな寺院と大仏像を建てることで、日本を守り、仏教を支援しようと考えました。
Building the Great Buddha
The Great Buddha, a massive bronze statue, was created as a symbol of hope and peace. It took several years to complete and required a large amount of bronze and labor. Many people, including craftspeople from other regions, helped build it. This project was so big that it greatly influenced Japan’s economy and resources.
大仏の建立
大仏は、希望と平和の象徴として造られた巨大な青銅製の仏像です。完成までには数年がかかり、大量の青銅と労働力が必要でした。多くの人々が協力し、他の地域からも職人が集まりました。この大規模なプロジェクトは、日本の経済や資源に大きな影響を与えました。
Tōdai-ji’s Importance in History
Tōdai-ji became an important center for Buddhism in Japan and served as the headquarters for Japan’s national network of temples. Its founding marked a key moment in Japanese history, showing the government’s support for Buddhism and its connection to politics.
東大寺の歴史的な重要性
東大寺は、日本における仏教の重要な拠点となり、日本の国立寺院のネットワークの本部としての役割を果たしました。その創建は、日本史において重要な瞬間であり、政府が仏教を支援し、政治との関わりを示した出来事でした。
大仏（盧舎那仏）
What is the Great Buddha?
The Great Buddha, also known as the Vairocana Buddha, is a massive bronze statue located in Tōdai-ji temple in Nara, Japan. This statue represents the Buddha of cosmic light, a symbol of hope and peace. It is one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, standing about 15 meters tall. The Great Buddha was created in the 8th century and required a huge amount of bronze and resources to build.
大仏とは
大仏（盧舎那仏とも呼ばれる）は、日本の奈良にある東大寺に安置された巨大な青銅製の仏像です。この仏像は「宇宙の光の仏」を表し、希望と平和の象徴とされています。大仏は高さ約15メートルで、世界最大級の青銅製仏像の一つです。8世紀に造られた大仏の制作には、莫大な量の青銅と資源が必要でした。
The Importance of the Great Buddha
Emperor Shōmu ordered the creation of the Great Buddha to help bring stability and peace to Japan during a time of trouble. The statue was built to protect Japan and support the spread of Buddhism. The project was so large that it affected the economy and connected people from different parts of Japan.
大仏の重要性
聖武天皇は、日本が困難な時期に安定と平和をもたらすために大仏の建立を命じました。この像は日本を守り、仏教の普及を支援するために建てられました。この大規模なプロジェクトは、日本の経済にも影響を与え、全国各地から人々が関わるきっかけとなりました。
Visiting the Great Buddha Today
Today, many people visit Tōdai-ji to see the Great Buddha. Its size and detailed craftsmanship impress visitors from around the world. The Great Buddha is not only an important religious icon but also a cultural treasure, recognized as a symbol of Japan’s history and spirituality.
現代の大仏参拝
現在、多くの人々が大仏を見るために東大寺を訪れています。その大きさや精巧な彫刻は、世界中の訪問者に感銘を与えます。大仏は重要な宗教的シンボルであるだけでなく、日本の歴史と精神性の象徴として、文化的な宝物としても認められています。
大仏殿
What is the Great Buddha Hall?
The Great Buddha Hall, or Daibutsuden, is the main building of Tōdai-ji temple in Nara, Japan. It is famous for housing the Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. The hall itself is also a remarkable structure, made of wood and known as one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. The Great Buddha Hall was originally built in the 8th century and rebuilt in the 18th century after it was damaged by fire.
大仏殿とは
大仏殿は、日本の奈良にある東大寺の主要な建物です。ここには、世界最大級の青銅製仏像である大仏が安置されています。この建物自体も木造の壮大な構造物で、世界最大級の木造建築の一つとして知られています。大仏殿は8世紀に初めて建てられ、その後、火災で損傷を受けたため18世紀に再建されました。
The Architecture of the Great Buddha Hall
The Great Buddha Hall has a unique and impressive architectural style. The structure is massive, with high ceilings and thick wooden pillars. Even though the current hall is smaller than the original, it still captures the grandeur and beauty of ancient Japanese architecture. The hall’s design highlights both strength and elegance, making it a cultural treasure.
大仏殿の建築
大仏殿は独特で印象的な建築様式を持っています。構造は非常に大きく、天井が高く、太い木の柱が使用されています。現在の建物は元の建物よりも小さいものの、古代日本建築の壮大さと美しさを見事に表しています。この建物のデザインは、強さと優雅さの両方を際立たせており、文化的な宝物とされています。
Visiting the Great Buddha Hall
Today, the Great Buddha Hall is one of Japan’s most popular tourist spots. Visitors come to see the Great Buddha inside, but they also admire the hall’s scale and beauty. The peaceful atmosphere and the skill of the craftsmanship make this hall a must-visit for anyone interested in Japan’s cultural and religious history.
大仏殿の訪問
今日、大仏殿は日本でも人気の観光地の一つです。訪問者は大仏を見に来ますが、同時に大仏殿の規模や美しさにも感嘆します。その静かな雰囲気と職人技の高さは、日本の文化や宗教の歴史に興味がある人にとって必見の場所となっています。
南大門と仁王像
What is Nandaimon?
Nandaimon, or the Great Southern Gate, is the main entrance gate to Tōdai-ji temple in Nara, Japan. This large wooden gate marks the start of the temple grounds and has been an important part of Tōdai-ji for centuries. Nandaimon was originally built in the 8th century, like the rest of Tōdai-ji, but it was rebuilt in the 12th century after being damaged. This impressive gate is a symbol of Tōdai-ji’s strength and historical significance.
南大門とは
南大門は、日本の奈良にある東大寺の正門です。この大きな木造の門は寺院の敷地の入り口を示し、何世紀にもわたり東大寺の重要な部分となっています。南大門は東大寺の他の部分と同様に8世紀に建てられましたが、損傷を受けた後、12世紀に再建されました。この印象的な門は、東大寺の強さと歴史的な重要性を象徴しています。
The Nio Guardian Statues
At Nandaimon, there are two massive statues called the Nio guardians. These fierce-looking statues are placed on each side of the gate to protect the temple from evil spirits. The Nio statues were created by famous sculptors Unkei and Kaikei in the 12th century. Their powerful expressions and muscular bodies show the strength needed to guard a sacred place.
仁王像
南大門には、仁王と呼ばれる二体の巨大な像があります。この力強い顔つきをした像は、寺院を悪霊から守るために門の両側に配置されています。仁王像は、12世紀に有名な彫刻家である運慶と快慶によって作られました。その強力な表情と筋肉質の体は、神聖な場所を守るために必要な力を表しています。
Visiting Nandaimon and the Nio Statues
Visitors to Tōdai-ji often stop at Nandaimon to admire the Nio statues and the gate’s architecture. The statues’ size and detail impress many people and show the artistry of Japanese craftsmen. Nandaimon is a popular spot for photos, as it offers a grand entrance to the temple and a glimpse of Japanese history and spirituality.
南大門と仁王像の見どころ
東大寺を訪れる人々は、南大門で仁王像と門の建築を楽しむために足を止めることが多いです。像の大きさや細部の美しさは多くの人に感銘を与え、日本の職人技術を示しています。南大門は写真撮影の人気スポットで、寺院への壮大な入口として日本の歴史や精神性を感じられる場所です。
お水取り（修二会）と二月堂
What is Omizutori?
Omizutori, or the “Water-Drawing Ceremony,” is an important Buddhist ritual held every year at Tōdai-ji’s Nigatsu-dō Hall in Nara, Japan. This ceremony has been performed since the 8th century, making it one of the oldest Buddhist rituals in Japan. Omizutori takes place in March and is part of a series of ceremonies called Shuni-e, which aim to purify people and bring blessings.
お水取りとは
お水取りは「水を汲む儀式」として知られ、毎年奈良の東大寺二月堂で行われる重要な仏教儀式です。この儀式は8世紀から続けられており、日本で最も古い仏教儀式の一つとされています。お水取りは3月に行われ、「修二会（しゅにえ）」という一連の儀式の一部で、人々を浄化し、祝福をもたらすことを目的としています。
The Ritual at Nigatsu-dō
The Omizutori ceremony involves drawing sacred water from a well at Nigatsu-dō, believed to have special powers for cleansing and blessing. Monks perform various rituals, including waving large torches over the crowd to ward off evil spirits. The fire ceremony, in particular, is popular with visitors and creates a beautiful, mystical atmosphere.
二月堂での儀式
お水取りでは、二月堂の井戸から聖水を汲む儀式が行われ、この水には特別な浄化と祝福の力があると信じられています。僧侶たちは様々な儀式を行い、特に大きな松明を振りかざして群衆の上で振り、邪悪な霊を追い払います。この火の儀式は特に人気があり、美しく神秘的な雰囲気を生み出します。
Visiting Omizutori Today
Today, many people visit Nigatsu-dō in March to witness Omizutori. The ceremony, especially the torch-waving ritual, attracts both locals and tourists who come to experience its spiritual energy. Watching Omizutori at Nigatsu-dō offers a unique look into Japan’s religious traditions and is considered a memorable experience.
現在のお水取り見学
現在、多くの人々が3月に二月堂を訪れ、お水取りを目の当たりにします。この儀式は、特に松明を振る儀式が地元の人や観光客を引き付け、その霊的なエネルギーを感じに来ます。二月堂でのお水取りを観ることは、日本の宗教的な伝統を垣間見る貴重な機会であり、印象的な体験とされています。
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