Copper coins (wadōkaichin, or 和同開珎) were minted for the first time in Japan today in 703 C.E. Wadōkaichin were round with a square hole at the center of each coin to make it easier to hold the coins on a string. During a 2015 restoration, four wadōkaichin were discovered at the East Pagoda of Yakushi-ji in Nara, Japan, one of the most famous Buddhist temples. It was constructed in 718 C.E., which is the oldest known example of the ancient Japanese practice of burying a cache of widely circulated coins to purify a construction site.
Centuries-old pagoda in Japan opens after 1st renovation in over 100 yrs
A national-treasure pagoda at Yakushiji, a Buddhist temple listed as a World Heritage site in Japan s ancient capital of Nara, was partially opened to the public Monday following its first renovation in more than 100 years.
The East Pagoda, believed to be the sole remaining wooden structure from when the temple was first constructed over 1,300 years ago, is available to view until Jan. 16 next year.
People line up to observe the inside of the renovated East Pagoda at Yakushiji temple in Nara Prefecture on March 1, 2021. (Kyodo)
Priests of the temple in the western Japan city chanted as the first floor door of the three-story pagoda was opened at around 8:30 a.m. Visitors, restricted from going inside the structure itself, were allowed onto a platform surrounding the door and leaned forward to observe the central pillar and an artwork displayed on the ceiling.
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Kyodo Mar 1, 2021
Nara – A pagoda that’s a national treasure at Yakushiji, a Buddhist temple listed as a World Heritage site in Nara, was partially opened to the public Monday following its first renovation in more than 100 years.
The East Pagoda, believed to be the sole remaining wooden structure from when the temple was first constructed over 1,300 years ago, is available to view until Jan. 16 next year.
March 01, 2021 - The Japan Times japantimes.co.jp - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from japantimes.co.jp Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.