Can I see the famous statue of Ganjin?

The dry-lacquer statue of Ganjin in the Mieidō (Founder's Hall) opens only on June 6th annually. The main Kondō displays the Vairochana Buddha statue and other 8th-century works during regular hours. The treasure house exhibits additional cultural properties year-round.

How long does a visit to Tōshōdai-ji typically take?

A complete visit takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. The temple can be combined with nearby Yakushi-ji Temple, which requires an additional hour.

Is Tōshōdai-ji wheelchair accessible?

The grounds have gravel pathways and steps that limit wheelchair access. The main Kondō requires climbing traditional temple stairs. Contact the temple directly regarding specific accessibility arrangements.

What's the best time of year to visit Tōshōdai-ji?

The temple is less crowded than other Nara sites year-round. Visit early June to see the Ganjin statue during its annual opening. Weekday mornings offer the quietest experience.

Is Tōshōdai-ji crowded compared to other Nara temples?

Tōshōdai-ji receives significantly fewer visitors than Tōdai-ji, Kōfuku-ji, or Kasuga Taisha. Its location away from Nara Park and deer area means most tour groups skip it. Even during peak tourist seasons, the temple maintains a quiet, contemplative environment.

Nara

Toshodaiji Temple

4.5 (4706)Buddhist TempleTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Apr 2, 2026

Tōshōdai-ji Temple stands as one of Nara's most historically significant Buddhist temples, founded in 759 by the Chinese monk Ganjin (Jianzhen). After five failed attempts and losing his eyesight during the perilous sea journey, Ganjin finally reached Japan in 753 at the invitation of Emperor Shōmu to establish proper Buddhist ordination practices. The temple became the first ordination center in Japan and represents a crucial milestone in Japanese Buddhism's development.

The temple complex showcases exceptional Nara period architecture, with the main hall (Kondō) designated as a National Treasure. This eighth-century structure is one of the few remaining examples of authentic Nara period temple architecture, featuring a distinctive Chinese-influenced design with its graceful roofline and robust wooden pillars. The hall houses a magnificent seated statue of Vairocana Buddha flanked by a thousand-armed Kannon and Yakushi Nyorai, all created during the temple's founding era.

The temple grounds maintain a contemplative atmosphere with their open layout and traditional landscaping. Visitors can explore the Treasure House, which displays Ganjin's dry-lacquer statue—a remarkably lifelike portrait sculpture created shortly after his death in 763 and considered one of Japan's finest portrait sculptures. The statue is only displayed publicly during special periods in spring and autumn. The compound's various halls and gardens provide insight into Tang dynasty Chinese temple design and its influence on Japanese religious architecture.

Tōshōdai-ji is located in western Nara, approximately 6 kilometers from JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station. Take bus number 63 or 70 bound for Toshodaiji-Gakuenmae from either station, with the journey taking roughly 20 minutes. The Tōshōdai-ji-mae bus stop is directly in front of the temple entrance. Alternatively, Nishinokyo Station on the Kintetsu Kashihara Line is a 10-minute walk from the temple.

Hours

Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Phone

+81 742-33-7900

Website

www.toshodaiji.jp

Overview

Address

13-46 Gojōchō, Nara, 630-8032, Japan

Places & attractions near Toshodaiji Temple

Hokke-ji Temple, Nara

Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park

Kinpusenji Temple

A traditional Japanese wooden temple is shown at night with a large fiery torch, sending sparks and smoke into the air during an annual festival or ritual. Lanterns illuminate the lower level of the building.

Omizutori (Shunie)

Places & attractions near Toshodaiji Temple

Hokke-ji Temple, Nara

Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park

Kinpusenji Temple

Omizutori (Shunie)

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

Toshodai-ji is a well-kept, serene temple. My personal highlight are the statues within the main building as well as the one behind it. They‘re beautiful, intricate, and frankly, huge. As a foreigner with average Japanese skills (and certainly not temple-descriptions level Japanese skills), I would‘ve appreciated an English translation next to the Japanese texts (though it does appears that the flyer provided at the entrance comprises an address and QR code with more info). In addition, there are quite a few areas that are inaccessible to the public for most of the year. For ¥1000 I did expect slightly more, but I‘m nonetheless glad to support what I hope is maintenance of the place. PS. This might be meh to some, but I personally love plantlife and the bamboo forest hidden on the far left in the back was a lovely little surprise 🎋

Mahi

May 13, 2026

Beautiful Chinese Tang dynasty inspired ancient architectural temples, it was the home temple of Jian-Shen from China in the 8th century. Well maintained gardens and natural growth trees, quite without the crowds, a must visit if you are looking to see authentic ancient architecture and garden design.

It’s a bit out of the way but reachable by train. Love this old Nara temple. Don’t miss the moss garden, it’s magical. The atmosphere is calming, spend the time to soak in the serene environment and walk around the gardens. UNESCO Heritafe site that’s not inundated with crowds, one of the highlights of my Japanese trip.

An incredibly ancient temple where you can see the traces of history etched into the wooden beams. Inside the main hall stands a magnificent and awe-inspiring Great Buddha that truly moves the heart. There’s a small trail at the back leading to a memorial site for the Sixth Patriarch. It’s not the easiest place to reach, but absolutely worth the trip.

Beautiful Buddhist temple. Incredibly well taken care of. The Garden surroundings the temples were very nice well worth the visit. A very piecefull place. If I am in Nara definitely will have to visit again If you read English, make sure to get the brochure it gives a great overview of the history of the temple and also has a website off of the qrcode, these people thought about everything!