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Todai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan

Todaiji Temple

Visit the Todai-ji Temple at Nara Park in Nara, Japan

Todaiji Temple is one of the most iconic temples in all of Japan and home to the Great Buddha statue. Its main hall is known for being one of the largest wooden structures in the world.

Todai-ji, the Great Eastern Temple, is located in the northern part of Nara Park and a must-add to your itinerary for Nara.

The Great Buddha Statue at Todai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan
Daibutsu, the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple

Part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara UNESCO World Heritage Site, Todai-ji Temple is a must for history and culture buffs. You can also see deer by the temple!

Planning a trip? Visit our Nara Park home page for the complete rundown on every single detail!

And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Japan, check out some of the top things to do in Japan, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!

Top 10 Things to Do in Japan
Top 10 Things to Do in Japan

History of Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji Temple is an ancient temple, built in the Nara period (710-784) when Nara was the capital of Japan.

A statue of Kokuzo Boddhisattva at Todaiji Temple in Nara, Japan
A statue of Kokuzo Boddhisattva at the Todai-ji Temple

The Great Buddha was completed in the year 749. The Great Hall was built concurrently and the image was consecrated in a grand ceremony in 752. Other structures in the complex were then constructed.

In subsequent years, the temple was damaged or destroyed multiple times.

The current Great Buddha statue dates back to the year 1692 and the Great Buddha Hall to 1709.

Things to Do at Todaiji Temple

Gawk at the size of Daibutsu-den

Daibutsu-den, the Great Buddha Hall, is the main building in the Todai-ji complex.

At about 187 feet wide, 164 feet long, and about 160 feet high the Great Buddha Hall is one of the largest wooden structures in the world.

Great Hall Todaiji Nara Japan
The Great Hall, with the octagonal lantern in front

Snap photos of the picturesque facade before you step inside! Don’t miss the gorgeous octagonal lantern, deemed a national treasure.

Flash photography and tripods are not permitted inside, but you can snap photos of the interior as well.

Admire the Great Buddha Statue

Inside the Great Hall is a gigantic bronze Buddha statue, called Vairocana Buddha. The seated Buddha is about 15m (49 feet) tall. This is the principal image at Todai-ji.

Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan
A view of the image of the Great Buddha at Todaiji Temple

The Great Buddha was originally consecrated in 752, but about a hundred years later, the head fell down in an earthquake and had to be repaired.

The statue was damaged again when the Great Hall was damaged by fires in later years. The repaired image was re-consecrated in 1692, and this is the image you see today.

Try to squeeze through “the Buddha’s nostril”!

There is a pillar in the Great Hall with a hole at its base, supposedly the size of the Great Buddha’s nostril.

Legend has it that anyone that can squeeze through the hole is granted enlightenment in their next life.

The hole is quite small, so unless you are a kid, it might not be easy (or even possible!) to squeeze through.

Take in the views from the Nigatsu-do Hall

If you walk up the hill to the east of the Great hall, you will come to the Nigatsu-do Hall.

Nigatsu-Do Hall, Todai-ji Temple, Nara, Japan
The Nigatsu-do Hall at Todai-ji

From the balcony here, you get lovely views over the city of Nara.

And if you happen to visit in March, Omizutori ceremonies involving fire and water are held here every year at that time.

The ceremonies have been held for over 1,250 years!

Browse the Todai-ji Museum

The Todai-ji Museum is located along the way to the Great Hall and worth a stop if you enjoy history and culture..

Rotating exhibits at the museum include works of Buddhist art and cultural artifacts.

Visit the Hokkedo Hall

Want to visit one of the oldest structures in the Todai-ji complex?

The Hokkedo Hall, located by Nigatsu-do Hall, houses a statue of Kannon, a Buddhist deity.

How to Get to Todai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan

Todaiji Temple is located in the northern part of Nara Park in Nara, Japan.

Once you arrive at the JR Nara Station, it is about a 36-minute walk (2.5 km or 1.5 miles). See map.

You can also catch a bus and get off at the Todai-ji Daibutsuden stop, from where it is a short walk to the main hall.

If you start at the Kintetsu-Nara Station, it is about a 21-minute walk to Todai-ji Temple. See map. You can opt for the bus from this station as well.

Deer at Todaiji Temple in Nara, Japan
A deer at the Todaiji Temple in Nara

Todai-ji Temple Opening Hours

Different parts of Todai-ji Temple have their own opening hours.

The Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsu-den) is open from 7.30 a.m. until 5.30 p.m. between April and October, and from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. from November to March.

Todai-ji Museum is open from 9.30 a.m. until 5.30 p.m. between April and October, and from 9.30 a.m.. to 5 p.m. from November to March. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

Nigatsu-do Hall is always open.

Hokkedo Hall is open from 8.30 a.m. until 4 p.m. year round.

Todai-ji Temple Entrance Fee

Entrance fees are charged at the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsu-den), Hokkedo Hall, Kaidan-do Hall and the Todai-ji Museum. Nigatsu-do Hall has no entrance fee.

Admission to each of the Great Buddha Hall, Hokkedo Hall, Kaidan-do Hall, and the Todai-ji Museum is 800 yen (USD 5.29) per person 13 years or older. Children 6-12 are charged 400 yen (USD 2.65) per child.

You can buy a combination pass for the Great Hall and the Todai-ji Museum for 1,200 yen (USD 7.94) per adult and 600 yen (USD 3.97) per child 6-12 years of age.