KYOTO (Kyodo) Kyoto's Byodoin Temple is using iPad tablet computers to show 3-D images of ancient Buddhist sculptures designated as national treasures.

Digital solution: Byodoin Temple in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, started using iPads Monday to let visitors examine detailed three-dimensional images of its collection of rare Buddhist sculptures. KYODO PHOTO

Since Monday, the computers have allowed visitors to examine five of its 52 wooden Bosatsu on Clouds sculptures created in 1053 in their original colors at the Hoshokan museum in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture.

The front, back and side images were created through three-dimensional calculations made with the use of a laser scanner and capture details visitors often miss while viewing the actual works.

"I want visitors to feel the aesthetic values that date back to the Heian Period," said Monsho Kamii, Byodoin's head priest, referring to an era ending in the 12th century.