Todai-ji

Temple

Part of Nara Park

Prefecture

Nara

Type

Temple

N/A

1 review

English Staff Train Access Cafe

About This Destination

A UNESCO World Heritage temple housing the world's largest bronze Buddha statue inside the largest wooden building in the world.

Todai-ji is one of Japan's most historically significant temples, founded in 728 and serving as the head temple of the Kegon school of Buddhism. The Great Buddha Hall, or Daibutsuden, is the world's largest wooden structure and houses a 15-meter tall bronze statue of Vairocana Buddha weighing approximately 500 tons. The temple complex includes the Nigatsu-do hall with panoramic views over Nara, the Sangatsudo hall housing rare Nara-period sculptures, and the Nandaimon gate with its iconic guardian statues. Friendly deer from Nara Park roam freely around the temple grounds.

Location

Prefecture: Nara

Address: Nara, Japan

Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nara

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: A small tea house near Nigatsu-do serves matcha and traditional sweets. Numerous restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops line the approach from Kintetsu Nara Station.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Todai-ji cost and what does the ticket cover?

The Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) is ¥800 adult / ¥400 child (was raised from ¥600 in 2022). The temple grounds themselves and Nandaimon gate are free. Nigatsu-do and Sangatsu-do (with rare Nara-period sculptures, well worth it) are ¥600 each. A combined Daibutsuden + Todai-ji Museum ticket is ¥1,200 adult and includes the museum's important pieces normally not on view. Open 7:30/8:00–17:30 (Nov–Feb closes 17:00). Cash preferred; some halls don't accept cards.

What's the 'pillar with a hole' inside the Great Buddha Hall?

Behind the Great Buddha is a wooden pillar with a hole at its base the same size as the Buddha's nostril (about 30 × 37 cm). Tradition says crawling through brings enlightenment in the next life — it's enormously popular with children (and surprisingly difficult for tall adults). Queue forms most afternoons; mornings are quieter. Skip if claustrophobic — the hole is narrow and supervised.

How should I combine Todai-ji with the rest of Nara Park?

Standard half-day loop: Kintetsu Nara Station → Kofuku-ji (5-story pagoda) → Nara National Museum (optional, Buddhist art) → walk east through the deer-filled lawns → Todai-ji Daibutsuden → Nigatsu-do (sunset view) → Kasuga Taisha (atmospheric lantern path). About 4-5 hours brisk, a full day with all halls and the museum. Deer crackers (shika senbei) ¥200 a bundle from regulated vendors only — feeding ordinary food is harmful. Get an early start: tour buses arrive around 10 AM.