Visit the Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple in Nara Prefecture

Get to know Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji Temple is home to the Great Buddha statue that stands 15 meters tall within the Daibutsuden, or "Great Buddha Hall," the largest wooden structure in the world. Construction of this Buddha statue began in 745 AD, with the consecration ceremony held seven years later in 752 AD.

While some parts like the chest and lotus pedestal are original, much of the body was reconstructed between the 12th and 14th centuries, with the head redone in the Edo period (1603-1868.)

Todai-ji Temple
Address: 406-1 Zoshi-cho, Nara-shi, Nara Prefecture
Access: 5-min walk from Daibutsuden Kasuga Taisha-mae bus stop (city loop bus), or 20-min walk from JR Nara and Kintetsu Nara stations
Official website: https://www.todaiji.or.jp/en/

When using Japan Railways trains, opt for the Kansai Area Pass and enjoy unlimited rides on all JR West Lines and shinkansen in the Kansai Region, including Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe. It includes a one-day pass for Kyoto Municipal Subway and Keihan Electric Railway.

For travelers keen on exploring more regions, opt for the Kansai Wide Area Pass, available for five consecutive days. This pass not only covers unlimited rides on all JR West Lines and shinkansen in the Kansai Region—including access to JR Nara Station—but also takes you to destinations such as Okayama and Tottori.

Get up close to adorable deer in Nara Park

Todai-ji Temple is part of the expansive Nara Park, which is home to around 1,200 wild deer roaming about freely. Along the park's paths and near the shrine entrances, you can spot vendors, tea houses, and souvenir shops selling special shika senbei (deer crackers.)

These crackers are perfect for feeding the deer, and the proceeds go towards supporting the conservation of these sacred creatures, which are designated National Natural Monuments.

Nara Park is also home to other historical structures, including Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Kofuku-ji Temple. Find out more about them in our article below.

Nara Park
Address: Kasugano-cho, Nara-shi, Nara Prefecture
Access: 20-min walk from JR Nara and Kintetsu Nara stations
Official website: http://www3.pref.nara.jp/park/

7 spots to explore within Todai-ji Temple

Besides the main hall, there are plenty of other historic structures and statues to explore in the precincts of Todai-ji Temple. Read on for the details.

Great South Gate

On the approach to the Great Buddha Hall, you'll pass through the Nandaimon or the Great South Gate. Standing at 25 meters tall, it’s one of Japan's largest shrine gates.

Flanking the gates are fierce-looking guardian statues known as Kongo Rikishi warriors. On the left side facing the Nandaimon is the open-mouthed Agyo, while on the right is the closed-mouthed Ungyo.

Great Buddha Hall

Besides admiring the Great Buddha statue, there are also plenty of other things to see inside the massive wooden Great Buddha Hall, such as a pillar with a hole at the bottom, about the same size as the Buddha's nostril. Legend has it that you will receive many blessings if you manage to crawl through it.

Kaidan-do Hall

The arrival of the Chinese monk Jian Zhen in Japan in 754 marked the introduction of proper Buddhist precepts to the country. This significant event led to the establishment of the Kaidan-in Hall, where Former Emperor Shomu and Empress Koken received their Buddhist precepts. Over the years, numerous monks took their vows at this location.

However, the compound was tragically destroyed in the fire of 1180. The present complex, consisting of the Senju-do Hall, Kaidan-do Hall, and priests’ living quarters, was rebuilt during the Edo period (1603-1868.)

Nigatsu-do Hall

The name "Nigatsu-do" originates from the annual event called "Shuni-e," which takes place every February (nigatsu in Japanese) in the lunar calendar. Despite enduring two major conflicts—the Hogen Rebellion in 1180 and the Siege of Mount Hiei in 1567—the hall was spared.

However, in 1667, during a Shuni-e ceremony, it was nearly destroyed by a fire. The building was reconstructed in 1669 and designated as a national treasure in December 2005. Positioned at a higher elevation, Nigatsu-do Hall offers a serene view of Nara City.

Hokke-do Hall

Hokke-do Hall, the oldest structure of Todai-ji Temple, is believed to have been constructed between 740 and 747. Comprising an image hall and a worship hall, the present worship hall was rebuilt in 1199 and is connected to the image hall.

Todai-ji Museum

Todai-ji Temple has endured numerous disasters and fires throughout its history, leading to its reconstruction and preservation of invaluable artifacts. The Todai-ji Museum, established in 2011, safeguards and displays these treasures.

With five galleries, including a replica of the Hokke-do Hall's inner sanctum, visitors can see enshrined images and enjoy special exhibitions.

Todai-ji Museum
Address: Inside Todaiji Sogo Bunka Center, 100 Suimon-cho, Nara-shi, Nara Prefecture
Official website: https://www.todaiji.or.jp/en/information/museum/

The Shoso-in Repository

Heading north from the Kanjin-sho Gate and passing by a lake on the left, you'll arrive at the Shoso-in Repository, Todai-ji Temple’s treasure hall. Divided into north, center, and south chambers, the north and center chambers house Emperor Shomu's valuable possessions, while the south chamber stores ritual implements for Todai-ji Temple's annual ceremonies.

Collect Todai-ji Temple's exclusive omamori amulets and goshuin stamps

The amulets at Todai-ji Temple include intricately embroidered omamori such as the success-bringing Great Buddha amulet, the fragrant Incense Happiness amulet, and the Deer Couple amulet symbolizing marital bliss.

In addition to the amulets, getting a goshuin stamp to commemorate your visit is also a popular practice for many locals. Written by the temple priests with a traditional brush and stamped with red ink, you can check all of the goshuin designs before your visit on Todai-ji Temple's official website.

Discover Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji Temple is a must-visit destination when traveling to Nara. Explore historical statues, temples, and shrines nearby, stroll around Nara Park, and have fun feeding its cute resident deer.

Explore more of Japan by using one of the many different transportation passes.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.