Tōdai-ji: Temple of the Great Buddha
Explore Tōdai-ji, Nara's iconic temple: home to the Great Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a symbol of ancient Japan.
Tōdai-ji, or 'Great Eastern Temple,' in Nara, Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the country's most historically significant temples. Founded in 738 and opened in 752, it houses a giant bronze Buddha statue (Daibutsu) in the world's largest wooden building.
A brief summary to Tōdai-ji
- 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara, Zoshicho, Nara, 630-8587, JP
- +81742-22-5511
- Visit website
Local tips
- Purchase shika senbei (deer crackers) to feed the friendly wild deer roaming freely in Nara Park near Tōdai-ji.
- Try to squeeze through the pillar with the Buddha's nostril-sized hole in Daibutsuden Hall for good luck.
- Visit Nigatsu-do Hall for panoramic views of Nara, especially beautiful at sunset.
- Check out the Tōdai-ji Museum near Nandaimon Gate for rotating exhibits of the temple's art and treasures.
- Consider a joint ticket to see both the Great Buddha Hall and the Todai-ji Museum.
Getting There
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Walking
From Kintetsu Nara Station, Tōdai-ji is approximately a 20-minute walk. Exit the station and walk east on Noborioji-cho. The route leads through Nara Park, where you'll encounter friendly wild deer. Continue past the Nara National Museum towards the Great South Gate (Nandaimon), the main entrance to Tōdai-ji.
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Public Transport
From either JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, take the Nara City Loop Bus to the 'Tōdai-ji Daibutsuden/Kasuga Taisha-mae' bus stop. From there, it's about a 5-minute walk to the temple. Alternatively, from Kintetsu Nara Station, take the loop bus (Omiya Street Route or Nara Park Route) and get off at the 'Daibutsuden-mae-chushajo' stop. The fare for the Nara City Loop Bus is ¥220.
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Taxi
A taxi from JR Nara Station to Tōdai-ji takes approximately 3 minutes and costs between ¥1,400 and ¥1,900. Taxis are readily available at both JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station.
Discover more about Tōdai-ji
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Todai-ji Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall)
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Todaiji Kondo Hakkaku Toro (Bronze Octagonal Lantern)
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Todai-ji Daibutsu-ike Pond
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Todaiji Honbo (Abbot's Quaeters, Temple Office)
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Todai-ji Urasando (Back Approach Road)
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Kasuganoenchi
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Ban Inoue Todaiji
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旧奈良市水道高地区配水池
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Noborioji Park
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Asajigahara Enchi
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Tobihino
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Rokuen Park
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Kofuku-ji Gojunoto (Five Story Pagoda)
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Sarusawa-ike Monument
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Nara Prefecture Visitors Bureau
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Unmissable attractions to see
Nekodan (Cat Stairway)
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Todai-ji Museum
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Todai-ji Namdaimon (Grand South Gate)
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Todai-ji Hokkedo (Sangatsudo, March Hall)
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Todai-ji Nigatsu-do
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Isuien Garden and Neiraku Museum
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Yoshikien Garden
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Nara Park
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Chayama-enchi
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Nara National Museum
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Manyo Botanical Gardens
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Kataoka Bairin
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Kofuku-ji Kokuhokan (National Treasure Hall)
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Kofuku-ji
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akordu
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Risky
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【Souvenirs】GOTO-CHI Nara
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Spark
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ザ・バー
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M's Bar
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blue note Naramachi
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LAMP BAR
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SK Music At Brazilian Bar
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Savant
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Music Bar Reciaffe
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Woo Koo Bar?
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