Temple · Nara Park
Todai-ji Temple 東大寺
Nara's great 8th-century temple whose Daibutsuden hall houses a 15 m bronze Great Buddha; part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara World Heritage Site.
Hours7:30-17:30 (Apr-Oct); 8:00-17:00 (Nov-Mar)
PriceAdult (Daibutsuden): ¥800
Elementary school student: ¥400
Elementary school student: ¥400
Getting thereKintetsu Nara Station, about 20 min walk; or Nara Kotsu bus to Todaiji Daibutsuden/Kasuga Taisha-mae, 5 min
Time needed1-2 hours
Best timeEarly morning; late Oct-Nov for autumn leaves in Nara Park
Address406-1 Zoshicho, Nara, Nara 630-8587
Websitetodaiji.or.jp
About
Todai-ji was founded by Emperor Shomu in the 8th century as the head of Japan's provincial temples. Its Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), rebuilt in 1692, holds the seated bronze Vairocana Buddha and is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Visitors approach through the Nandaimon gate with its giant guardian statues, sharing the path with Nara Park's deer.
Highlights
- Daibutsuden hall and the 15 m bronze Great Buddha (National Treasure)
- Nandaimon gate with two huge Nio guardian statues
- Pillar with a hole the size of the Buddha's nostril
- Nigatsudo and Hokkedo halls on the hillside east of the main hall
Tips
- Arrive at opening (7:30 Apr-Oct) to beat school groups
- Deer crowd the approach; keep food and paper maps out of reach
- The Nigatsudo veranda is free and has a wide view over Nara
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-11
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