In the Japanese Buddhist architecture, the temples are generally oriented facing south, and the entrance to the sacred area is done via a southern gate, usually the largest gate in the complex, known as Nandaimon, the Great South Gate.

One of the oldest and most important Nandaimon gates in Japan, dating from the 12th century, is at Todaiji, in Nara.

Nandaimon Gate, Todaiji Temple, Nara

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Odawara Castle, a bit of history