東大寺

Todaiji

Todai-ji, Daibutsuden (Graet Buddha Hall) -2 (May 2 by Tetsuhiro Terada CC BY

In Brief

Buddhist Temple in Nara Park, Nara

Varies by season

600

Allow 45 minutes

No regular closing days

Official Site

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東大寺

Updated 12 June 2020

About Todaiji

Dating back to 738, Todaiji was once the most powerful temple in Japan. The main hall - Daibutsuden - was until recently the world’s largest wooden building, and houses a 15 metre tall bronze statue of Buddha - one of the largest in Japan.

Nearby & Related

Nandaimon Gate

in Nara Park, Nara

On the approach to Todaiji stands Nandaimon Gate, the largest temple gate in Japan. The gate is a National Treasure, along with the two fierce Nio Guardian statues it houses.

Todaiji Museum

in Nara Park, Nara

Small modern museum with changing exhibits from the temple’s large collection of Buddhist art and statues, along with other cultural artefacts.

Nara National Museum

in Nara Park, Nara

Established in 1889, the Nara National Museum is an art museum which primarily displays Buddhist art. This includes Buddhist artefacts - mostly Japanese - such as paintings, scrolls, statues and other religious objects.

Tenryuji Temple

in Arashiyama, Kyoto

One of the finest gardens in Kyoto, and stunning mountain backdrop, makes the Tenryu-ji Temple the must-see attraction in Arashiyama. A World Heritage Site.

Kinkakuji

in Northern Kyoto, Kyoto

Kinkakuji - The Golden Pavilion - is Kyoto’s most iconic World Heritage site. A Zen temple covered with gold leaf set in beautiful traditional garden.

Kiyomizudera Temple

in Southern Higashiyama, Kyoto

1 alert

Kiyomizudera is the most famous and celebrated of all Kyoto’s temples, and for good reason! A designated National Treasure and World Heritage site, this beautiful temple has stunning views, and a rich history back to the 8th century.