Todaiji Temple

Todaiji Temple (東大寺), a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Nara, Japan, is one of the country’s most famous and historically significant temples, originally founded in 728 during the Nara period. The temple complex is home to several buildings and structures, the most renowned of which is the Great Buddha Hall, or Daibutsuden, one of the largest wooden buildings in the world.

The Daibutsuden, initially built in 752, has undergone several reconstructions throughout the centuries due to fires, with the current structure being a 1709 reconstruction, two-thirds the size of the original. It houses a colossal bronze statue of Buddha, formally known as the Vairocana Buddha statue, standing over 15 meters tall and weighing 400 tons. The statue is one of the largest in the world and symbolizes Japan’s cultural and artistic achievements.

In addition to the Daibutsuden, Todaiji Temple encompasses several other important structures, including the Nigatsu-do Hall, known for its famous hanging lanterns lit during the annual “Omizutori” ceremony in March, and the Hokke-do Hall (also known as Sangatsu-do Hall), dedicated to the Lotus Sutra. The temple complex is situated within Nara Park, home to many tame deer considered sacred messengers of the gods of Kasuga Grand Shrine and allowed to roam freely throughout the park.

Getting there

From Nara Station to Todaiji Temple:

Bus	Nara Station ↓ Bus Number 2 ↓ 8 minutes (6 stops) Todaiji-Daibutsuden/Kasuga-Taisha-Mae ↓ Walk about 3 minutes ↓ Todaiji Temple (Cost 250 yen)
Walk	About 30 minutes (2.2 km)

Details

Hours	April to October / 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM November to March / 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission	Junior high school students and above: 800 yen Elementary school students: 400 yen
Phone	+81 742-22-5511
Address	406-1 Zoshicho, Nara, 630-8587
Official Website	https://www.todaiji.or.jp/