Todaiji (厛, Tōdaiji, "Great Eastern Temple") is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan and grew so powerful that the capital was moved away from Nara in 784 in order to lower the temple's influence on government affairs.
Until recently, Todaiji's main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), held the record as the world's largest wooden building, despite the fact that the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple hall's size. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The 15 meters tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas.
Several smaller Buddhist statues and models of the former and current buildings are also on display in the Daibutsuden Hall. Another popular attraction is a pillar with a hole in its base that is the same size as the Daibutsu's nostril. It is said that those who can squeeze through this opening will be granted enlightenment in their next life.
Along the approach to Todaiji stands the Nandaimon Gate, a large wooden gate watched over by two fierce looking statues. Representing the Nio Guardian Kings, the statues are designated national treasures together with the gate itself. Temple visitors will also encounter some deer from the adjacent Nara Park, begging for shika senbei, special crackers for deer that are sold for around 200 yen.
Todaiji's grounds are spacious and cover most of northern Nara Park, including a number of smaller temple halls and sites of interest around the Daibutsuden Hall. Below are some of the other attractions that can be found in the Todaiji temple complex:
Getting there and around
Todaiji is located in the northern part of Nara Park. It is about a 30 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, or about a 45 minute walk from JR Nara Station. It can also be reached by bus from either station. Get off at Todaiji Daibutsuden from where it is a 5-10 minute walk to Todaiji's main building.
Hours and Fees
Daibutsuden Hall
Hours
8:00 to 17:00 (November to March)
Closed
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Nara
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Nara Kasugaokuyama TsukihiteiNara Kasugaokuyama Tsukihitei is located in the Kasugayama Primeval Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each guest room has a Japanese-style decor and offer panoramic forest views, traditional tatami (woven-straw) floors, and shoji paper screens. All guest rooms are equipped with Japanese-style futon beds. The rooms have an en suite bathroom. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is 400 metres away from the property. Todaiji Temple is about a 10-minute walk away. Kintetsu Nara Train Station and JR Nara Train Station are both less than a 10-minute drive away. Japanese-style breakfast and a set meal course dinners are prepared by the Japanese chef using seasonal specialities.View on Booking.com -
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Guest House OkuView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Guest House Oku in Nara offers family rooms with air-conditioning, tatami floors, and free WiFi. Each room includes a washing machine, slippers, and a shared bathroom.Convenient Facilities
The guest house provides bicycle parking, luggage storage, and a washing machine. Additional amenities include a washing machine and a shared bathroom.Prime Location
Located 1.8 km from Nara Station and 53 km from Itami Airport, the property is near attractions such as Iwafune Shrine (18 km) and Nippon Christ Kyodan Shijonawate Church (23 km).Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated by guests for its friendly host, convenient location, and comfortable beds. -
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Kotonoyado MusashinoKotono yado Musashino offers accommodation in Nara, and is located a 11-minute drive from Nara Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property and free private parking is available on site. Every room includes a flat-screen TV. You will find a kettle in the room. Room facilities vary by room type. Some rooms include a private bath, while others use the property's shared bath facilities. For your comfort, you will find slippers and a hair dryer. There is luggage storage space at the property. Kofuku-ji is 1.1 km from Musashino, while Kasuga Taisha is 300 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Osaka Itami Airport, 39 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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SLOW HOUSE NARAView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
SLOW HOUSE NARA in Nara offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, bidets, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, shower, and free toiletries.Convenient Facilities
Guests can enjoy a shared kitchen, bicycle parking, and an inner courtyard view. Additional amenities include a ground-floor unit with tatami floors and a quiet street setting.Prime Location
Located a 15-minute walk from Nara Station, the guest house is near attractions such as Iwafune Shrine (19 km) and Nippon Christ Kyodan Shijonawate Church (23 km). Itami Airport is 54 km away.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its convenient location, attentive staff, and clean rooms. -
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Yuzan GuesthouseView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Yuzan Guesthouse in Nara offers a sun terrace, garden, and free WiFi. Guests enjoy air-conditioning, garden views, and parquet floors.Convenient Facilities
The hostel features a shared kitchen, private check-in and check-out, full-day security, bicycle parking, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a hairdryer, shared bathroom, shower, and work desk.Prime Location
Nearby Attractions Nara Station is a 15-minute walk away. Nearby attractions include Iwafune Shrine (18 km) and Nara Park (6 km). Itami Airport is 53 km from the property.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its convenient location, attentive staff, and well-equipped kitchen. -
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Hotel RokuneView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel Rokune in Nara offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, balconies, and private bathrooms. Guests enjoy amenities such as bathrobes, free WiFi, and soundproofing.Convenient Facilities
The hotel features a terrace, lift, laundry service, and free toiletries. Additional amenities include a work desk, TV, and soundproofing, ensuring a pleasant stay.Prime Location
Located 52 km from Itami Airport, Hotel Rokune is an 8-minute walk from Nara Station. Nearby attractions include Iwafune Shrine (18 km) and Nippon Christ Kyodan Shijonawate Church (22 km).Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for room comfort, convenient location, and room cleanliness, Hotel Rokune provides excellent service and a pleasant environment. -
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Mountain Home Lodge in Deer ParkView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Mountain Home Lodge in Deer Park offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens. Each room includes a washing machine, dining area, and free WiFi.Convenient Facilities
Guests benefit from daily housekeeping, luggage storage, and a dining table. Additional amenities include a sofa bed, wardrobe, and free toiletries.Local Attractions
Located 3.3 km from Nara Station and 20 km from Iwafune Shrine, the lodge provides easy access to nearby attractions. Itami Airport is 55 km away.Guest Favorites
Visitors appreciate the convenient location for nature trips, fully equipped kitchen, and excellent service. -
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Hilo HostelView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hilo Hostel in Nara offers air-conditioned rooms with tatami floors, work desks, and sofas. Each room includes a bidet, shower, and slippers.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lounge, shared kitchen, full-day security, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a hairdryer and shared bathrooms.Convenient Location
Located less than 1 km from Nara Station, the hostel is 53 km from Itami Airport. Nearby attractions include Iwafune Shrine (18 km) and Nippon Christ Kyodan Shijonawate Church (22 km).Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its friendly host, excellent public transport options, and convenient location. -
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Hotel New WakasaA 12-minute walk from the Kintetsu Nara Train Station, Hotel New Wakasa offers Japanese-style rooms with tatami (woven-straw) flooring. A spacious public bath and foot bath is available for guests to relax in. Free luggage before and after check-in is available on site. Free WiFi is available at the entire building. The air-conditioned rooms feature Japanese futon bedding and a separate seating area. Each provides a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and an electric kettle with green tea bags. The en suite bathroom includes a hairdryer. Guests can go to the roof terrace for a beautiful view of the Mount Wakakusa and the Todaiji Temple. A private spa pool with the same view can be requested with an extra cost. A Japanese dinner and breakfast are served in the dining room. New Wakasa Hotel is an 5-minute walk from the Todaiji Temple, and a 15-minute walk from the Nara Park. It is also an 8-minute walk from Isuien and an 80-minute bus ride from Kansai Airport. The property provides free guided tours in English to guests as a service. English maps and information are available on site as well.View on Booking.com -
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Ryokan Asukasou at the entrancne of Nara parkView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Ryokan Asukasou in Nara offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and modern amenities. Each room includes a kitchenette, balcony, and free WiFi.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can unwind on the terrace or enjoy the open-air bath. Additional amenities include a lounge, public bath, and free on-site private parking.Delicious Breakfast
A daily Asian breakfast featuring local specialities is served, highly praised by guests for its quality and variety.Prime Location
Located 1.8 km from Nara Station, the ryokan is near attractions such as Iwafune Shrine (20 km) and Itami Airport (54 km). Guests appreciate the friendly staff and convenient location.
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