Exploring the Treasures of Todai-ji Museum
Discover the cultural treasures of Japan at Todai-ji Museum in Nara, a captivating journey through art, history, and spirituality.
Nestled in the heart of Nara, the Todai-ji Museum offers a captivating journey through Japan's rich history and artistry. Home to a remarkable collection of artifacts, this museum is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the cultural heritage of the region.
A brief summary to Todai-ji Museum
- Suimoncho, 100 東大寺総合文化センター内, Nara, Suimoncho, Nara, 630-8208, JP
- +81742-20-5511
- Visit website
- Monday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit during weekdays to avoid large crowds.
- Allocate at least two hours for a thorough exploration of the exhibits.
- Combine your museum visit with a stroll in Nara Park to see the friendly deer.
- Check the museum's website for any special exhibitions or events during your visit.
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas, so be sure to check the signs.
Getting There
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Public Transportation (Train)
If you are traveling by train, start by making your way to Nara Station, which can be accessed via the Kintetsu Nara Line or JR Yamatoji Line from major cities in Kinki (Kansai) like Osaka or Kyoto. From Nara Station, take the Kintetsu Nara Line and disembark at Kintetsu Nara Station. From Kintetsu Nara Station, it is about a 20-minute walk to Todai-ji Museum. Follow the signs to Todai-ji, which will guide you through Nara Park where you can also see the famous deer.
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Public Transportation (Bus)
From Nara Station, you can also take a bus to Todai-ji Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall). Look for the bus stop just outside Nara Station and take bus number 70, 72, or 73. The bus ride takes approximately 10 minutes, and you will need to pay a fare (around 210 yen). Get off at the Todai-ji Daibutsuden stop, and the museum is a short walk from there.
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Car
If you are driving, head towards Nara City using the Nishi-Meihan Expressway from Osaka or Kyoto. Take the exit for Nara and follow the signs to Todai-ji. There is parking available near the Todai-ji complex, but it may fill up quickly during peak tourist seasons. Note that parking fees apply (approximately 500 yen/hour). Once parked, follow the signs to the Todai-ji Museum located within the Todai-ji complex.
Discover more about Todai-ji Museum
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Todaiji Nandaimon (Great South Gate)
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Todaiji Honbo (Abbot's Quaeters, Temple Office)
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Ban Inoue Todaiji
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Todaiji Kondo Hakkaku Toro (Bronze Octagonal Lantern)
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Todai-ji Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall)
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Todai-ji Urasando (Back Approach Road)
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Todaiji Nigatsudo (February Hall)
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Rokuen Park
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Ukimido
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Sagiike pond
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Kofuku-ji
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Kofuku-ji Gojunoto (Five Story Pagoda)
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旧奈良市水道高地区配水池
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NARA Visitor Center & Inn
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Nara Prefecture Visitors Bureau
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Unmissable attractions to see
Todai-ji Namdaimon (Grand South Gate)
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Todaiji Kagami-ike Pond
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Isuien Garden and Neiraku Museum
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Okumura Commemorative Museum
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Kasuganoenchi
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Yoshikien Garden
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Todaiji Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall)
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Tōdai-ji
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Ukigumo-enchi
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Nekodan (Cat Stairway)
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Nara National Museum
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Todai-ji Kaidan-in
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Nara Park
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Todai-ji Daibutsu-ike Pond
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Todai-ji Nigatsudo Kuden (Divine Rice Field)
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Essential places to dine
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Happy Kitchen Kin-no-shika
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Restaurant Naraya Todaiji
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Izasa-Nakatani-hompo Yumekaze-hiroba
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Miyama
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Kamameshi Shizuka Kouen-ten志津香
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Monsieur Pépé
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akordu
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Rokumeien
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Todaiji Emado Chaya
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Kotoya
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La Terrasse
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Uma-no-me
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Shiroganeya
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Satei Yusui
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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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Imanishi-kyorindo
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Risky
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Nara Higashimuki Shopping Street
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Higashimuki Shopping Street
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Sanrakudo Higashimuki
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Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten - Nara Flagship Store
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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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Spark
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Konishi Sakura-dori Shopping Street
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
ザ・バー
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M's Bar
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Amberjack
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ダルウィニー
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blue note Naramachi
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SK Music At Brazilian Bar
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Savant
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Salon des vins Sève
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Music Bar Reciaffe
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LAMP BAR
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shisha&bar vanguard
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Light
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AUTHENTIC TABLE TAVERN
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Woo Koo Bar?
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