Here is the money shot, the reason you come to Nara: The Daibutsu or Great Buddha. This Buddha was first errected in the 8th Century by devout Buddhist follower, Emperor Shomu. Shomu wanted to show the world that Japan was a devout Buddhist nation along the lines of China and India, and so construction began on the Buddha you see before you. The Daibutsu has since been reconstructed many times. Buddha's head has fallen off more than once during Japan's many earthquakes. He still remains as impressive as ever though.