The Buddha's nostril

Squeeze through the Buddha's nostril for enlightenment in your next life!

Welcome to Nara's giant Buddha statue seated in Todai-ji Temple, the world's largest wooden building. Be sure to walk all the way around the daibutsu (big Buddha) statue as at the back of the temple is a quick and easy way to achieve enlightenment in your next life. At the bottom of a temple pillar there's a small hole said to be exactly the same size as the statue's nostril? and your challenge is to squeeze your body through the whole. We admit this may only be for the young, slim and those not easily embarrassed, but go on, give it a try, even if only for the comedy holiday photo!