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Todaiji Temple

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Todaiji Temple

The temple was built in the Nara period (710-794) and is registered as a World Heritage Site as a "cultural asset of the ancient capital Nara”.

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In the Nara period (710-794), Emperor Shomu had the Rushana Daibutsu (Great Buddha) built at his request, and a memorial service was held in 752. This temple is one of the representative temples of Nara. It took nearly 40 years to build the temple complex. After the capital was moved from Heijo-kyo to Nara, the temple was well protected and prospered. In 1180 in the Kamakura period and again in 1567 in the Edo period, most of the temple buildings including the Daibutsuden were destroyed by fire, but they were restored with the cooperation of many people.

The Daibutsuden, one of the world's largest wooden structures, houses the seated statue of Rushana Butsu, popularly known as the "Great Buddha of Nara'', the oldest building in Todaiji's architecture, Hokkedo (Sangetsudo), and Nandaimon, the largest gate in Japan. The west side of the Shosoin Temple, which has survived two wars and still retains the original architecture of the temple, is also a must-see.

In 1998, the temple was registered as a World Heritage Site along with Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Kofukuji Temple as "Cultural Properties of the Ancient Capital Nara”.

Highlights

  • The temple was built in the Nara period (710-794) and is registered as a World Heritage site.
  • The main image enshrined in the Daibutsuden is the seated statue of Rushana Butsu, popularly known as the "Great Buddha of Nara".
  • It has many national treasures and important cultural assets, including the Daibutsuden, one of the largest wooden structures in the world.
  • You can also stop by the museum that introduces the history of Todaiji Temple and its cultural assets such as Buddhist statues and crafts.

Photos

  • The Great Buddha Hall, one of the largest wooden structures in the world Photo Credit: Todaiji Temple

    The Great Buddha Hall, one of the largest wooden structures in the world Photo Credit: Todaiji Temple

Reviews

14

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  • 李文生

    The architectural style of Todaiji Temple really showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Japan. Truly impressive.

  • 熊熊

    You can experience the unique style of Japanese temples while appreciating the beauty of Buddhist art.

  • 邱得銘

    Absolutely majestic and impressive—definitely worthy of being a World Heritage Site.

  • James Lin

    This is Japan's most famous and largest Buddhist temple. It's a must-see spot when visiting Nara, and the Nara deer in the park are also a big highlight.

  • James Tse

    An incredible wooden structure—truly awe-inspiring.

Details

Name in Japanese
東大寺
Postal Code
630-8587
Address
406-1 Zoshicho, Nara City, Nara
Tel
0742-22-5511
Regular holidays
No holidays (open to the public) ※The Todaiji Museum is closed temporarily.
Hours
Opening Hours: Daibutsuden (Hall of the Great Buddha): 7:30am - 5:30pm (April-October), 8:00am - 5:00pm (November-March); Hokkedo and Senteido: 8:30 - 16:00 (April-October), 9:30am - 5:30pm (November-March); Todaiji Museum: 9:30am - 5:00pm
*last entry 30 minutes before closing
Admission
Adults (junior high school students and older): 800 yen, Elementary school students: 400 yen *Admission fees are required for Daibutsuden, Hokkedo (Sangetsudo), Kaidan-in Senju-do, and Todaiji Museum.
Adults (junior high school students and older): 1,200 yen, elementary school students: 600 yen
Access
1) JR Yamato Line and Kintetsu Nara Line Nara Station from the city loop bus "Todaiji Temple, Daibutsu-den, Kasuga Taisha-mae", 5 minutes walk
2) Kintetsu Nara Line Nara Station from Nara Station (Omiya-dori route and Nara Park route) "Daibutsu-den-mae Garage", get off
3) 20 minutes walk from Nara Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)

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