Viewing the face of the Great Buddha from the Sankarado window: Hatsumode

January 1, every year

For Hatsumode (first visit of the year to the temple) at Todai-ji Temple, the Sankarado (small window) of the Great Buddha Hall is opened, enabling worshipers to view the face of the Great Buddha. This is one of several times during the year that this occurs (also occurs August 13-15). In addition, from midnight on January 1, the Chumon (central) gate of the Great Buddha Hall is opened and worshipers may enter free of charge to view the Great Buddha until 8:00 a.m. From around 11:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, visitors can warm themselves around a bonfire of New Year's gate decorations near the Kagami-ike pond and small fires are lit along the waterways on both sides of the approach to the Great Buddha Hall, creating an atmosphere unique to this day.