Tōdai-ji: Temple of the Great Buddha
Explore the magnificent Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara, home to Japan's largest bronze Buddha statue and stunning wooden architecture, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tōdai-ji, or "Great Eastern Temple," in Nara, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan's most historically significant temples. Founded in 738 AD and opened in 752 AD, it houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known as Daibutsu, within the world's largest wooden structure, the Daibutsuden Hall.
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
- Purchase shika senbei (deer crackers) to feed the friendly wild deer roaming the grounds, but be mindful as they can be assertive.
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds and experience a more peaceful atmosphere.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the temple complex, including the main hall, gates, and museum.
- Check the opening hours of the various halls and the museum, as they may differ from the main Daibutsuden Hall.
- Try to squeeze through the pillar with a hole the size of Buddha's nostril for good luck.
Getting There
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Walking
From Kintetsu Nara Station, walk east on Noborioji-cho for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, from JR Nara Station, it's about a 45-minute walk through Nara Park. Enjoy the scenic route through the park, encountering friendly deer along the way.
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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" stop. The bus ride takes about 15 minutes. From the bus stop, it is a 5-minute walk to the temple. The fare for the Nara City Loop Bus is approximately ¥100-¥220.
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Parking
There is no parking lot directly at Tōdai-ji Temple. Use nearby paid parking such as GS Park Tōdai-ji Saidaimon Parking Lot. From the parking lot, the Gurutto Bus is available for ¥100. Parking fees vary but expect to pay around ¥500-¥900 per hour.
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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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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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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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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