Discover the Majestic Tōdai-ji: A Nara Treasure
Experience the grandeur of Tōdai-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nara, home to Japan's Great Buddha and surrounded by tranquil gardens.
Tōdai-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan. Home to the Great Buddha and surrounded by serene gardens, it offers tourists a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.
A brief summary to Tōdai-ji
- 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara, Zoshicho, Nara, 630-8587, JP
- +81742-22-5511
- Visit website
- 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
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
- Don't miss the smaller halls and museums within the complex for a more comprehensive experience.
- Bring a camera; the architecture and natural surroundings offer stunning photo opportunities.
- Be mindful of the deer; they are friendly but can be persistent when seeking food.
- Check for any seasonal events or festivals that may enhance your visit.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving, take the Meishin Expressway and exit at the Nara IC. Follow the signs for Nara City and then for Tōdai-ji. The address is 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara, 630-8587. Parking is available near the temple, but it may incur a fee of around 500-1000 yen depending on the duration of your stay.
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Train and Bus
From Osaka, take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Kintetsu Namba Station to Kintetsu Nara Station (about 40 minutes). At Kintetsu Nara Station, exit and take the Nara Kotsu Bus #2, #4, or #5 towards Tōdai-ji Daibutsuden. The bus ride takes approximately 10 minutes. The fare is around 210 yen. Alight at the 'Tōdai-ji Daibutsuden' bus stop, which is a short walk to the temple.
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Train and Walk
From Kyoto, take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Nara Station (about 45 minutes). Once at Nara Station, exit and walk towards Tōdai-ji, which is roughly 30 minutes on foot. Follow the signs towards Nara Park, where Tōdai-ji is located. Enjoy the scenic route through the park, where you can see free-roaming deer.
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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Todaiji Honbo (Abbot's Quaeters, Temple Office)
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Todai-ji Urasando (Back Approach Road)
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Todaiji Nandaimon (Great South Gate)
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Todaiji Nigatsudo (February Hall)
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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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Tobihino
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Kataoka Bairin
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Rokuen Park
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Kofuku-ji
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Ukimido
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Kofuku-ji Gojunoto (Five Story Pagoda)
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Sagiike pond
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Unmissable attractions to see
Todaiji Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall)
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Nekodan (Cat Stairway)
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Todaiji Kagami-ike Pond
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Todai-ji Daibutsu-ike Pond
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Todai-ji Nigatsudo Kuden (Divine Rice Field)
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Todai-ji Kaidan-in
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Todai-ji Museum
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Nara Park Management Office
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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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Kasuganoenchi
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Tamukeyama Hachimangu
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Nara Okuyama Driveway
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Essential places to dine
Rokumeien
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Todaiji Emado Chaya
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akordu
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Yokyoan Honten
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Happy Kitchen Kin-no-shika
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Monsieur Pépé
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Restaurant Naraya Todaiji
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Kamameshi Shizuka Kouen-ten志津香
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Miyama
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Izasa-Nakatani-hompo Yumekaze-hiroba
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Kotoya
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La Terrasse
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Shiroganeya
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Satei Yusui
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Mizuya Chaya
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Imanishi-kyorindo
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Yumekaze Plaza
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Nara-miyage hyakka-shoten
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Museum Shop, Nara National Museum
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NARA MEIHINKAN
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Nara Higashimuki Shopping Street
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Risky
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Higashimuki Shopping Street
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Sanrakudo Higashimuki
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【Souvenirs】GOTO-CHI Nara
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Time's Place Nara
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Kintetsu-Nara Station
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Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten - Nara Flagship Store
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Konishi Sakura-dori Shopping Street
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Spark
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
ザ・バー
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Amberjack
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ダルウィニー
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M's Bar
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バー フィディック
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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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shisha&bar vanguard
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Music Bar Reciaffe
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Salon des vins Sève
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Light
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AUTHENTIC TABLE TAVERN
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Woo Koo Bar?
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