First Tour: Sun,
Apr 16, 2000
The statue of Guse
Kannon and Horyuji Temple
Timed to coincide
with the special viewing period of the statue of Guse Kannon at Horyuji'fs
Yumedono Hall, the tour will concentrate on representative Buddhist
art from Japan'fs Asuka and Hakuho Period (****), including the statue
of Kudara Kannon
Second Tour:
Sun, May 14, 2000
National Treasures
of Toji Temple Exhibition
This tour focuses
on the statues of Buddha in the lecture hall at the Toji Temple, which
had been undergoing extensive renovation for several years. This special
exhibition is being staged to encourage an understanding of the Esoteric
Buddhism promoted by Kukai in the early Heian Period and its related
culture through visiting the treasures of Toji Temple (Kyohgokokuji
Temple).
Third Tour:
Sat, Sep 23 (national holiday), 2000
Yakushiji Temple
and Toshodaiji Temple
Yakushiji and
Toshodaiji Temple, situated in the western capital of Nara, are fine
representatives of temples from the early and late Nara Period. Viewing
the old statues that remain in these large structures, participants
in these tours will get a taste of the special character of Buddhist
art during the Nara Period.
Fourth Tour: Sat,
Dec 16, 2000
Special Public
Viewing of the Statue of Shitsukongoshin at Todaiji Temple's Sangatsudo
Hall
Behind the statue
of Fukuhkensaku Kannon, the main image of worship at Todaiji Temple's
Sangatsudo (Hokkedo) Hall, the statue of Shitsukongoshin faces the building's
north side. This statue is associated with the legend of Ryoben (****),
which is important when considering the inception of Todaiji Temple.
Viewing this statue, which can only be seen by the public one day a
year, will give visitors a strong sense of the Tempyo Period's (****)
unique special ambience.
