What other travelers are saying about Todai-ji Temple
It was an awesome experience visiting this temple, home of the world's largest bronze Buddha statue. The surrounding park is huge, 🦌 deers everywhere, many school kids on day trips creating a pleasant vibe.
I recommend to visit this place if you are in Nara.
Visited on sunday, early morning.
Very quite, almost no crowd.
I really soaked and enjoyed the tranquility.
Inside you can see the magnificent statue with brief explanation and a little history.
I recommend to visit this temple should you come to Nara.
A few deer can be seen along the route to this temple and to outside of the temple.
The deer add the authenticity of the ancient nara vibe.
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We visited Todaji Temple today, and it was a wonderful experience. We took a train to get here, which was very convenient. The surrounding park is huge and lively, with many school kids on day trips, creating a pleasant vibe. The temple itself is beautiful, and deer are everywhere, making the walk even more enjoyable. Don’t miss the delicious ice cream, and make sure to shop at the nearby metro station—especially the French bakery for some great food. Overall, it was a fantastic day!
Tōdai-ji Temple (東大寺) is an absolute must-see when visiting Nara, and it perfectly complements your visit to Nara Park.
It is an incredibly beautiful, large, and awe-inspiring temple with an undeniable sense of majesty and sanctity.
Despite the crowds, the size of the temple and the quiet corners of the surrounding grounds still manage to convey a deep sense of sacredness.
One of the best things about Tōdai-ji is its convenient location. You can easily walk to the temple directly from Nara Park.
The path leading up to the temple gate is part of the park, which means your journey will be accompanied by plenty of deer who are often wandering right up to the entrance. It makes the walk to this sacred site an adventurous and charming experience!
Absolutely loved this temple. It is close to Kyoto so I had limited time and did it in half a day. We arrived at 12:30 and left at 4pm. There were cute deer I was able to pet one. The females seem cuter than the male deer and you could pet them. I found the statues of Buddha in Todaiji grand. Read the history if you are interested and you can learn about how Buddhism influenced Japan and ultimately is practiced alongside Shintoism.
Todai-ji Temple was constructed in the year 752 under the order of Emperor Shomu. It was built as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples in Japan and played a significant role in the propagation of Buddhism throughout Japan.
Yes, visitors can participate in various cultural and religious activities throughout the year, including meditation sessions, religious ceremonies, and seasonal festivals. The temple grounds are also a perfect place for quiet reflection and appreciation of the surrounding natural beauty.
While Todai-ji Temple can be visited year-round, the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months offer the most pleasant weather conditions. Additionally, special events like the Omizutori (Water Drawing Ceremony) in March and the Shuni-e ceremony offer unique experiences for visitors.
Todai-ji Temple is located in Nara Park in the city of Nara. From Kyoto or Osaka, you can take a train to Nara Station. From there, it's a 30-minute walk or a short bus ride to the temple.
Yes, there is an entrance fee to access the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall). However, walking around the temple grounds is free of charge. Prices may vary, so checking the official Todai-ji Temple website for the most current information is recommended.
