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Todaiji Temple

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Todaiji Temple

Founded during the Nara period, this temple is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.

4.49 26

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Supervised by :  Todaiji Temple

The Great Buddha Vairocana was commissioned by Emperor Shomu during the Nara period and consecrated in 752. The temple complex took nearly 40 more years to complete, making Todaiji one of Nara's most prominent temples. It continued to prosper under generous protection even after the capital was moved from Heijo-kyo. Most of the temple complex, including the Great Buddha Hall, was destroyed by fire during armed conflicts in 1180 and 1567. It was rebuilt in the Kamakura and Edo periods, respectively, with the support of many people.

The grounds contain numerous National Treasure buildings, including the Great Buddha Hall, one of the world's largest wooden structures and home to the seated Vairocana Buddha affectionately known as the Great Buddha of Nara; Hokke-do Hall (Sangatsu-do), the oldest surviving building at Todaiji; and Nandaimon Gate, Japan's largest temple gate. Another highlight is Tegaimon Gate, located west of the Shosoin Repository. Having survived both wartime fires, it retains the appearance of the original temple complex.

In 1998, Todaiji was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, together with Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple, and other sites.

Highlights

  • A temple founded during the Nara period and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • The principal object of worship in the Great Buddha Hall is the seated Vairocana Buddha, affectionately known as the Great Buddha of Nara.
  • The temple is home to many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, including the Great Buddha Hall, one of the world's largest wooden structures.
  • Be sure to visit the museum, which introduces the history of Todaiji and its cultural properties, including Buddhist statues and decorative arts.

Photos

  • The Great Buddha Hall, one of the world's largest wooden structures (Photo courtesy of Todaiji Temple)

    The Great Buddha Hall, one of the world's largest wooden structures (Photo courtesy of Todaiji Temple)

Reviews

26

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 何柏政（紅茶）
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    Todaiji Temple is a place you absolutely have to visit, with a very solemn Great Buddha. There are also many deer along the road leading to Todaiji, and they’re very enthusiastic (although some are still cooling off under the trees). The deer with spiral-shaped antlers are also very cute. If you buy deer crackers, the deer will chase after you. That day, I was wearing clothes similar in color to the deer crackers, so I got bitten and covered in saliva. It was pretty fun 🤣

  • Eddie
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    I visited Todaiji Temple in Nara in January. After touring the temple, I also took a walk around the pond on the temple grounds and the old street near Todaiji. The January weather was chilly, which made walking around especially pleasant. Without the summer heat and humidity, I could take my time enjoying the scenery.
    The pond on the temple grounds felt very peaceful. The water reflected the surrounding scenery, and together with the old buildings nearby, it made me want to stop and take a longer look. After leaving, I continued toward the old street near Todaiji. There are quite a few shops along the way where you can browse local souvenirs and try some Nara specialties. Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, I prefer this kind of itinerary, where I can stroll around freely and discover little surprises along the way.
    If you're planning to visit Todaiji Temple, I recommend exploring the nearby area as well. Don't rush to leave; walking slowly lets you experience a different side of Nara's charm. Although January is colder, it has its own unique atmosphere and is worth taking the time to explore.

  • Ming Yu
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    As one of the world's largest wooden structures, the Great Buddha Hall has a historic atmosphere, with its wooden pillars and Buddhist statues conveying a deep sense of history. Walking through it instantly makes you feel calm.

  • Jk
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    After passing through the main gate and entering the grounds, the first thing you see is the Great Buddha Hall (Kondo), said to be one of the world's largest wooden buildings. Just standing before this enormous ancient structure is enough to appreciate the height of human architectural craftsmanship. Inside the hall, you are greeted by the massive 15-meter-tall bronze Great Buddha of Nara (Rushana Buddha), gazing compassionately down upon all beings. Standing at its feet and looking up in person brings an indescribable sense of awe and calm.
    Besides the impressive Great Buddha, the hall also has a famous pillar with a hole said to be the same size as the Great Buddha's nostril. It is said that anyone who can pass through the hole will be blessed with safety and good luck. Many visitors always line up to try, making it a very fun and cheerful experience.
    I highly recommend including Todaiji Temple in an in-depth walking itinerary when visiting Nara. Whether you want to experience the majestic presence of a thousand-year-old temple or pay your respects to the solemn Great Buddha, it will definitely leave you with profound and awe-inspiring cultural memories of your trip to Kansai!

  • Linda Liao
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    Todaiji is a historic temple known for its majestic Great Buddha of Nara and one of the world's largest wooden Great Buddha halls. When you step inside, the sense of solemnity and awe is truly something photos can't capture.

    Behind the Great Buddha is a wooden pillar with a hole in it, said to be about the same size as the Buddha's nostril. Legend has it that if you can crawl through it, you'll be blessed with good health and protection from misfortune. Thinking back to my first visit to Nara, I was young and a little reckless. When I saw everyone lining up, I crawled in without hesitation, and to my surprise, I actually made it through! But when I visited again later, I wasn't as brave. I looked at the opening and decided to "just admire it," worried I'd crawl in and get stuck (lol).

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Details

Name in Japanese
東大寺
Postal Code
630-8587
Address
406-1 Zoshi-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
Phone
0742-22-5511
Closed on
Open year-round (temple grounds are always open). The Todaiji Museum may close temporarily.
Hours
Visiting hours: Great Buddha Hall, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. from April to October and 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. from November to March; Hokke-do Hall and Senju-do Hall, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Todaiji Museum, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. from April to October and 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. from November to March. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing for all facilities.
Admission
Admission to each hall: Adults (junior high school students and older), JPY 800; elementary school students, JPY 400. Separate admission is required for the Great Buddha Hall, Hokke-do Hall (Sangatsu-do), Kaidan-in Senju-do Hall, and Todaiji Museum.
Combined ticket for the Great Buddha Hall and Todaiji Museum: Adults (junior high school students and older), JPY 1,200; elementary school students, JPY 600
Access
1) From Nara Station on the JR Yamatoji Line or Kintetsu Nara Line, take the city loop bus to Todaiji Daibutsuden/Kasuga Taisha-mae, then walk 5 minutes.
2) From Nara Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line, take the Gurutto Bus on the Omiya-dori Route or Nara Park Route and get off at Daibutsuden-mae Parking Lot. The temple is immediately nearby.
3) A 20-minute walk from Nara Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa