Todai-ji
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Attractions > Other Cities and Areas > Shrines Temples > Nara
About | Access | Hotels & Lodging | Hours & Fees
Golden Hall at Todai-ji in Nara Japan by Jakub Hałun (CC BY-SA 4.0)
About
Statue of Koumokuten
Todai-ji means Eastern Great Temple and is a Buddhist temple complex in Nara Japan. It was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan. It is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples. The huge Buddha (in Japanese: 大仏 Daibutsu) within the temple's Main Hall "Daibutsuden", is the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha. Todai-ji is the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon school of Buddhism and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara". Deer roam the grounds freely as they are regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion.
Daibutsu (Buddha) at Todai-ji by David Offf (CC BY 2.0)
One of the other popular attractions at the complex is a pillar with a hole in its base that is the exact same size as the Daibutsu's nostril. They say that if you can fit through this opening, you will be granted enlightenment in their next life. Nandaimon Gate, a large wooden gate watched over by two fierce looking statues, is also a popular destination within Todai-ji. The statues represent the Nio Guardian Kings and protect the national treasures on the grounds.
Access
Closest Train Station: Nara
406-1 Zoshicho
Nara, Nara 630-8211 Japan
Tel: 742-22-5511
Its a pretty long walk from either JR Nara Station or Kintestu Nara Station (30 min. to an hour) so if your not up to a walk catch a local bus from either station and get of at "Todaiji Daibutsuden" (from this bus stop about a 5 - 10 min. walk). Or, just jump in a taxi for around 700 - 1000 yen ride.
Hotels & Lodging
View a full list of Hotels and Lodging in or nearby Todai-ji.
Hours & Fees
Hours: November to February - 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., March - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.April to September - 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.October - 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed: No closing days
Cost: The general grounds of Shrines and Temples are free but may charge a small fee (a couple/few hundred yen) for special gardens, exhibitions, artifact viewing, etc.
Information presented is based on the time it was created. There may be changes since publication. Please confirm information by visiting the Official Website before visiting.
Resources
Website: Todai-ji Homepage
