The Serene Beauty of Todai-ji Kaidan-in: A Hidden Gem in Nara
Discover the serene beauty of Todai-ji Kaidan-in, a hidden Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan, rich in history and tranquility.
Nestled in the heart of Nara, Todai-ji Kaidan-in is a breathtaking Buddhist temple that offers visitors a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage. Known for its stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings, this temple is a must-visit for anyone seeking spiritual solace or a deeper understanding of Japanese Buddhism. With its beautifully crafted statues and serene atmosphere, Todai-ji Kaidan-in provides an unforgettable experience for tourists looking to connect with Japan's historical roots.
A brief summary to Todai-ji Kaidan-in
- Zoshicho, 406-1 戒壇堂, Nara, Zoshicho, Nara, 630-8211, JP
- +81742-22-5511
- Visit website
- Monday 8:30 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-4 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-4 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-4 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am-4 pm
- Sunday 8:30 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy a quieter experience and capture stunning photographs.
- Take your time to explore the gardens and appreciate the intricate details of the statues.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions for a full day of cultural immersion.
Getting There
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Car
If you're driving from Osaka, take the Hanshin Expressway and merge onto the Nishi Meihan Expressway (西名阪自動車道) towards Nara. Continue for about 40 km and take the Nara exit. Follow the signs to Todai-ji, which will lead you into Nara City. Parking is available near Todai-ji, but be aware that there may be parking fees of approximately 500 yen for a few hours.
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Train
From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to Nara Station (approximately 45 minutes). From Nara Station, exit and look for the bus terminal. Take the Nara Kotsu Bus No. 2 or No. 4, which will take you directly to Todai-ji Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) bus stop. The bus fare is around 230 yen. From the bus stop, walk for about 10 minutes to reach Todai-ji Kaidan-in.
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Bus
If you're in Nara City, you can also take a local bus to Todai-ji. The Nara Kotsu Bus runs routes to Todai-ji, with frequent departures from various locations in the city. The fare is about 210 yen, and the journey takes approximately 15 minutes depending on traffic. Once you arrive at the Todai-ji Daibutsuden bus stop, it's a short walk to Todai-ji Kaidan-in.
Discover more about Todai-ji Kaidan-in
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Todai-ji Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall)
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Todaiji Kondo Hakkaku Toro (Bronze Octagonal Lantern)
0.3 km
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Todaiji Nandaimon (Great South Gate)
0.4 km
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Todaiji Honbo (Abbot's Quaeters, Temple Office)
0.4 km
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Ban Inoue Todaiji
0.5 km
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Todai-ji Urasando (Back Approach Road)
0.6 km
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Todaiji Nigatsudo (February Hall)
0.7 km
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Kofuku-ji
0.8 km
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Kofuku-ji Gojunoto (Five Story Pagoda)
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Asajigahara Enchi
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旧奈良市水道高地区配水池
0.9 km
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Kataoka Bairin
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Tobihino
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Sarusawa-ike Monument
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Uneme Shrine
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Unmissable attractions to see
Nara Park Management Office
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Todai-ji Daibutsu-ike Pond
0.2 km
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Todaiji Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall)
0.3 km
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Tōdai-ji
0.3 km
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Isuien Garden and Neiraku Museum
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Yoshikien Garden
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Todai-ji Museum
0.4 km
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Todaiji Kagami-ike Pond
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Nekodan (Cat Stairway)
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Todai-ji Namdaimon (Grand South Gate)
0.4 km
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Todai-ji Nigatsudo Kuden (Divine Rice Field)
0.5 km
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Okumura Commemorative Museum
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Noborioji Park
0.6 km
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Kasuganoenchi
0.6 km
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Nara Okuyama Driveway
0.6 km
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Essential places to dine
akordu
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Monsieur Pépé
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Kamameshi Shizuka Kouen-ten志津香
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Happy Kitchen Kin-no-shika
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Rokumeien
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Restaurant Naraya Todaiji
0.6 km
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Yokyoan Honten
0.6 km
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Izasa-Nakatani-hompo Yumekaze-hiroba
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Miyama
0.6 km
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Todaiji Emado Chaya
0.6 km
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NARA NIKON
0.7 km
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Maguro Koya
0.8 km
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Cafe Wakakusa
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Uma-no-me
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Kakinohasushi Hompo Tanaka
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
NARA MEIHINKAN
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Yumekaze Plaza
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Museum Shop, Nara National Museum
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Nara-miyage hyakka-shoten
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Imanishi-kyorindo
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Nara Higashimuki Shopping Street
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Higashimuki Shopping Street
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【Souvenirs】GOTO-CHI Nara
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Sanrakudo Higashimuki
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Risky
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Time's Place Nara
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Kintetsu-Nara Station
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Konishi Sakura-dori Shopping Street
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Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten - Nara Flagship Store
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Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten Branch Souvenir Nara Sanjo
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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
1.1 km
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バー フィディック
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LAMP BAR
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shisha&bar vanguard
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Savant
1.2 km
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Music Bar Reciaffe
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SK Music At Brazilian Bar
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blue note Naramachi
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Light
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Salon des vins Sève
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AUTHENTIC TABLE TAVERN
1.4 km
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Woo Koo Bar?
1.6 km
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