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Todai-ji Temple

Name: Todai-ji Temple
Address: 406-1 Zōshichō, Nara, 630-8587, Japan
Rating: 4.6

4.6 (200)・Tourist Attraction・Place Of Worship・Point Of Interest・Establishment

Todai-ji Temple, located in the historic city of Nara, is an architectural marvel and a centerpiece of Japanese cultural heritage. Famous for housing the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known as Daibutsu, this temple is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, religion, or architecture.

Constructed in 752 AD, Todai-ji Temple was commissioned by Emperor Shomu as a head temple to oversee all provincial Buddhist temples. Its Great Buddha Hall, the Daibutsuden, is the largest wooden building in the world, a fact that astonishes visitors with its grand scale and exquisite wooden craftsmanship. This hall, which has been rebuilt twice due to fire, stands today as a testament to ancient Japanese engineering and religious devotion.

Todai-ji Temple is not just a temple but a sprawling complex that includes multiple buildings, such as the Great Buddha Hall, lecture halls, and the Nigatsu-do, which has beautiful views of Nara Park. The temple grounds are also home to hundreds of freely roaming deer, considered messengers of the gods in Shinto, adding to the serene and mystical atmosphere of the place.

Hours:

7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Closed:

Closed on December 31st to January 3rd for year-end and New Year holidays

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Fees:

Free

Hours

Monday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Saturday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Sunday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Phone

+81 742-22-5511

Website

www.todaiji.or.jp

The area

Address

406-1 Zōshichō, Nara, 630-8587, Japan

Top ways to experience Todai-ji Temple

8hrs

Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Nara Temples

From $218 /person

5hrs

Nara Half Day Trip Walking Tour

From $80 /person

1 day

Kyoto and Nara 1-Day Bus Tour (Round-trip from Kyoto)

From $149 /person

What other travelers are saying about Todai-ji Temple

Absolutely amazing UNESCO world heritage site. The Buddha hall is grandiose in scale and there is a section where you can crawl through a pillar which was super unique and fun. There is a small museum which helps you understand the history of the site and was good enough for it's size. As usual there are many sections which are cordoned off from the public. I was surprised that they had signs here of all places informing the public to not approach the baby fowl/deer as the mothers abandon the baby if they get touched. I think this should be posted in more places. The Nara 🦌 outside the temple also make the entire experience very fun.

Vignesh M

Nov 30, 2024

The Todai-ji temple in Nara is the largest wood structure in the world. The temple, originally built in 752, is famous for housing the Great Buddha, a ginormous bronze statue. This UNESCO World Heritage site marked the adoption of Buddhism as the state religion. It was incredibly impressive to visit. And I witnessed a marriage proposal too!

Francine Laura

Mar 15, 2025

Beautiful temple inside Nara Deer Park and a must see while in Nara. It’s definitely worth the trip coming up from the park and checking out this temple. Tickets are under 1000 yen and come with a bundle with the museum. The Buddha is spectacular to look at and view. The structure made of wood is amazingly gorgeous.

Anthony Plaxen

Feb 20, 2025

A beautiful place of Buddhist worship and history. Well maintained and overwhelming by the size of the structures, both the temple and statues. A must visit for the views and a plus if it's part of your religion.

wilson leguisamon

Mar 14, 2025

Spectacular temple! Entrance fee of 800Yen and totally worth it! The impressive temple building guards a huge Buddha statue with two others on its side. Built during the Nara period, this temple truly highlights any visit to Nara. Get your Goshuin stamp here and get good fortune by crawling through a really tight hole.