Recommended Historical
Todaiji Temple in Nara
Stefanus HusinThe largest wooden structure in the world and iconic landmark of Nara city.
Todaiji
Todai-ji Temple, also known as the Great Eastern Temple, was originally built in 752 at the behest of Emperor Shomu. It is one of the most famous and historically significant temples in all of Japan and one of the landmarks of Nara. The Todai-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Until recently, the main hall of Todai-ji, Daibutsuden, was the largest wooden building in the world. The massive structure houses one of the largest cast bronze Buddha statues (Daibutsu) in Japan, which is 15 meters tall.
Another popular attraction is a pillar with a floor-level hole that is exactly the size of the Buddha's nostril. Whoever manages to squeeze through this opening will supposedly reach enlightenment in the next life.
Overview
Address
406-1 Zoshicho, Nara (Map) (Directions)Hours
8:00 - 17:00 Closed nowOpening Hours
Monday
8:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
8:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
8:00 - 17:00
Thursday
8:00 - 17:00
Friday
8:00 - 17:00
Saturday
8:00 - 17:00
Sunday
8:00 - 17:00
Holidays
8:00 - 17:00
Website
General Amenities
- Information Counter
- Prayer rooms
What's unique
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Related Articles
11 articles
13
The Great Todaiji Temple
Irma SyahriarTodaiji Temple is Nara’s most famous temple that is easily accessed through Nara Park.
7
Temples & Shrines
Todaiji Temple Light Up, Nara
Manish PrabhuneIn Nara, the annual Tokae Festival gives you the rare chance to see a night-time illumination at Todaiji temple.
Historical
Great Statue of Buddha in Todaiji
Ryohei SuenagaThe story behind the Buddha statue in Todaiji temple
7
Faces in Todaiji Temple in Nara
Keigetsu WatanabeTodaiji Temple in Nara prefecture has various impressive figures, not only the statue of the Great Buddha.
Temples & Shrines
Big Buddha's Legacy in Nara
Throughout many centuries, a pair of eyes have taken care of Nara. They belong to Big Buddha (Daibutsu), the biggest bronze Buddha..
10
Historical
Nigatsu-do Hall in Todaiji Temple
Karen ZhengDesignated as a National Treasure, Nigatsu-do (also known as ‘Hall of the Second Month) is located within the famous Todai-ji ..
Culture
Nigatsu-do Hall in Nara
Todd WojnowskiTo the east of the Great Buddha Hall, Nigatsu-do is a beautiful hall that overlooks the city of Nara and provides a view of its..
Historical
Kaidan-in at Todai-ji Temple
Tomoko KamishimaKaidan-in, a part of Todai-ji Temple, was once an extremely solemn place where monks-in-training were initiated into Buddhism in..
Activities
Omizutori Ceremony Lecture
Bryan BaierUnique Omizutori Ceremony Lecture by Head Secretary of Todaiji Temple offered free of charge
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