Toshodai-ji

Temple

Prefecture

Nara

Type

Temple

N/A

1 review

¥1,000

Entry Fee

Train Access

About This Destination

A World Heritage temple founded in 759 by the Chinese monk Ganjin, whose Golden Hall is widely regarded as the finest surviving example of Nara-period architecture.

Toshodai-ji was founded in 759 by Ganjin (Jianzhen), the revered Chinese monk who attempted the perilous sea crossing to Japan six times over twelve years, losing his eyesight on the journey, to transmit the Buddhist precepts and ordination rituals. The Kondo (Golden Hall) is considered the finest and most complete example of Nara-period temple architecture, with its stately row of entasis columns reflecting continental Tang Dynasty influence. The Kodo (Lecture Hall) is the only surviving building from the original Nara imperial palace, having been relocated and converted for temple use. The temple grounds are beautifully maintained with moss gardens and lotus ponds that bloom spectacularly in summer. A special annual opening of the Mieido hall in June reveals a dry-lacquer portrait statue of Ganjin, designated a National Treasure.

Location

Prefecture: Nara

Address: Nara, Japan

Nearest Station: Nishinokyo Station

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: No dining facilities within the temple. Small restaurants and tea houses are located along the road between Toshodai-ji and Yakushi-ji, serving regional specialties including kuzu-kiri noodles and narazuke pickles.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Toshodai-ji?

From Kintetsu Nara Station, take the Kintetsu Kashihara Line to Nishinokyo Station (8 minutes, ¥260), then walk 10 minutes north. From Yakushi-ji it's a 10-minute walk through quiet residential streets — the standard Nishinokyo route. Buses 70/72 from JR Nara Station run hourly (about 25 minutes, ¥260).

What's the entry fee and what's included?

¥1,000 for adults covering the main grounds (Kondo, Kodo, Gakuden) and the moss garden. The Mieido hall housing Ganjin's National Treasure portrait statue is only open for 3 days each year (around June 5–7). The dedicated Shin-Hozo treasure hall opens spring (mid-March–early June) and autumn (mid-September–early November) for an extra ¥500. Open 8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30).

When can I see Ganjin's portrait statue?

The dry-lacquer portrait of Ganjin (a National Treasure made in 763 just after his death) is shown only during the Kaisan-e ceremony around June 5–7 each year. The hall opens around 9:00 and queues form by 8:30. A digital high-resolution replica is now permanently on view in the Goeido hall — striking but not the original. Reserve travel ahead if your visit must coincide with the original viewing days.

When is the temple at its most beautiful?

Late June–July for lotus blossoms in the temple ponds — Toshodai-ji has cultivated lotus from seeds Ganjin's disciples brought from Tang China. Spring brings cherry blossoms framing the Kondo. November adds maple colour. Mid-week mornings (right at 8:30 opening) are the quietest for photographing the entasis-columned Kondo without crowds.