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Home - Travel - Sightseeing Guide - Kansai - Nara
Toshodaiji Temple	# 6   of 16 most visited sights in Nara
access  -  admission  -  hotels  -  reports  -  ratings  -  tours  -  links

Main Hall (Kondo) Toshodaiji was founded in the year 759 by Ganjin, a Chinese priest who was invited to Japan by the emperor in order to train priests and improve Japanese Buddhism. "Toshodai" is Japanese for "invited from Tang China", which refers to Ganjin. His influence in the introduction of Buddhism to Japan was monumental, and his arrival and teaching at Toshodaiji were important stages in that process. Toshodaiji's main hall (kondo) was re-opened in late 2009 after being renovated over a period of almost ten years, during which the building was dismantled and reconstructed. The temple's lecture hall (kodo) was moved to Toshodaiji from the Nara Imperial Palace, and is now the only surviving building of the former palace. Lecture Hall (Kodo) Ganjin's Grave The Miedo, a hall which stores a famous wooden statue of Ganjin, is also located on the temple grounds. The statue, however, is displayed to the public only once a year for a few days around June 6, the anniversary of Ganjin's death. There are a number of small paths on the temple grounds that cut through thick overhanging foliage. Ganjin's grave is located at the end of one of these paths, and the surrounding nature gives the area an atmosphere of serenity. The temple also has a large bell from the Heian period, a chapel, sleeping quarters once used by monks in training, and a small treasure house that charges a small entrance fee. View of central complex Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.

How to get there

By train The temple is located about 500 meters north of Nishikyo Station, which is located just beside Yakushiji Temple. Nishikyo Station can be reached from Kintetsu Nara Station by taking the Kintetsu Nara Line to Yamato-Saidaiji Station and transferring to the Kintetsu Kashihara Line. The entire train ride takes about 25 minutes and costs 250 yen. By bus Buses number 70, 72 and 97 travel about three times per hour to the temple from JR Nara Station (15 minutes, 240 yen) and Kintetsu Nara Station (20 minutes, 240 yen). Buses 70 and 72 stop at Toshodaiji bus stop when traveling to the temple, but stop at Toshodaiji-higashiguchi bus stop when traveling in direction of central Nara. Bus 97 always stops at Toshodaiji-higashiguchi bus stop. How to get to and around Nara

Hours and Fees

Hours: 8:30 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30) Closed: No closing days Admission: 600 yen (additional 100 yen for treasure house)

Hotels and Ryokan

Sponsor Hotels Asukaso A fine ryokan with hot spring bath offering views of the famous five-story pagoda. Located in the heart of Nara town. Hotel New Wakasa 5 min walk to Todaiji Temple and Great Buddha. Wireless Internet in lobby. Rooftop open-air Jacuzzi. Private onsen baths.

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News and Reports

December 1, 2011 Nara Autumn Color Report by schauwecker Nara Autumn Color Report November 18, 2010 Nara Cherry Blossom Report April 3, 2010 Yoshino Cherry Blossom Report April 6, 2010 Nara Cherry Blossom Report March 26, 2010 Wakakusa Yamayaki January 23, 2010 Nara Autumn Color Report November 23, 2009 Nara Cherry Blossom Report April 3, 2009

Travel Community

Ratings for Toshodaiji Temple: japan-guide.com Rating:   outstanding   User Rating (by 238 users): 85/100   recommended Popularity of Toshodaiji Temple: Users who have been to Nara: 2748 Users who have been to Toshodaiji Temple: 504 6th of 16 most visited sights in Nara. 104th of 726 most visited sights nationwide. Have you been to Toshodaiji Temple? No - I have not been there yetYes - no ratingYes - highly recommendedYes - recommendedYes - mildly interestingYes - nothing specialYes - not recommended User Feedback We strive to keep japan-guide.com up-to-date and accurate, and are always looking for ways to improve the user experience. If you have any updates, suggestions, corrections or opinions, please let us know:

Tours and Packages

Nara Tours Various tours and travel packages for Nara and surroundings.

Japanese Links

Toshodaiji Temple Official website.