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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

22

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • BobbyJenny
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    As you enter Todaiji Temple, the Great Buddha Hall is truly magnificent. Seeing the enormous Rushana Buddha up close gives you an even deeper appreciation for the history and religious culture of Japan's ancient capital. The grounds are peaceful, and adorable deer wander around freely, adding to the fun of the visit.

  • Gina C
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    When visiting Todaiji Temple in Nara, what I was looking forward to most was interacting with the adorable deer!

    The deer are considered messengers of the gods, and they’ll come right up to people as soon as they see them. They’re honestly so soothing to be around. Of course, I bought some deer crackers to feed them, but they were even more enthusiastic than I expected. When I wasn’t paying attention, one of them actually kicked me, which was scary and funny at the same time.

    Just a reminder: keep a little distance when feeding them, hold on to your deer crackers, and don’t tease them. That way, you can safely enjoy the fun of interacting with the deer!

  • 周黛西
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    A day trip to Todaiji Temple lets you take your time exploring the Great Buddha Hall and admire the solemn, majestic Great Buddha of Nara up close. You can also visit Nigatsudo, Hokke-do, Kaidan-do, and more. Every corner has its own historical story and offers a chance to experience the culture of Japan’s ancient capital.
    I recommend setting aside a little time to interact with the deer and take some photos so you can bring home your own special memories of Nara.

  • Jessica Cheng
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    There are lots of shops, restaurants, and department stores. It's a fantastic place to shop.

  • ひ嘎C
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    Nara is such a charming, old-world city.
    Beyond the huge number of deer in Nara Park that totally captivated me,
    there’s also Todaiji Temple—a solemn, awe-inspiring wooden structure with over 700 years of history.

    Every time I step into the Great Buddha Hall, it feels like I’m being embraced by Vairocana Buddha, as if I’m protected and watched over, and it brings this deep sense of peace.
    In front of the Buddha, I feel as tiny as a single drop in the ocean.

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)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa