Todaji Temple is one of the most famous temples in Japan. The Buddhist temple was founded in 738 CE in the city of Nara, Japan. Todaji Temple plays a very important role in Japanese history and it has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage site as one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara. The massive Todaji Temple houses the largest bronze statue of Buddha which has a long history itself, the statue has been renovated after fires and earthquakes and still stands strong to this day.
About the Todaiji Temple
It is said that 2,600,000 people helped to build the Todaji Temple by contributing materials and labor. The construction of Todaji Temple consumed so much bronze and gold that it has nearly bankrupted the country’s economy.
The temple has suffered a lot of damage in the course of history. It was damaged in fires as well as earthquakes. Japanese people, as well as international donations, have always helped to rebuild the damaged building.
Todaji Temple is home to the biggest bronze Buddha statue in the world, it weighs 500 tons. Recent x-rays show treasures hidden in the knee of the Buddha which is said to be relics of the Shomu Emperor.
The Todaji Temple covers most of the Nara Park area, it includes many other smaller temples as well as museums such as – Todaiji Museum, The Nigatsudo Hall, The Hokkedo, Kaidando Hall, The Shosoin and many more.
You can visit the Todaji Temple from:
November till March from 8:00-17.00
April till October from 7:30-17.30
Entrance fee – For adults ¥600 (5 Euros), Primary school – ¥300 (2.50 Euros)
Address – 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara 奈良市雑司町406-1
Places to visit around Todaiji Temple
The Todaiji Museum – opened to the public in 2011, houses religious art and cultural treasures. Entrance fee – 600 yen.
The Nigatsudo Hall – offers the most beautiful view of Nara and hosts the fire and water festival – Omizutori every year on March 12th. You can access The Nigatsudo Hall by walking up the large stone steps from the Daibutsuden Hall.
The Hokkedo – the oldest surviving structure at the Todaji Temple complex, it is home to the oldest statue of Kannon. Entrance fee – 600 yen.
The Shosoin Storehouse – houses treasures of Todaiji Temple and the Imperial Family, unfortunately, this house can only be viewed from the outside.
The Kaidando Hall – ordination hall of Japan, houses clay statues of the king Shitenno. Entrance fee – 600 yen.
Lecture Hall – the former site of the burned down lecture hall today has left only massive foundation stones.
How to get to Todaiji Temple?
You can find Todaji Temple in the northern part of Nara Park. We recommend getting off at the Todaiji Daibutsuden station which will only take you 15 minutes to walk to the main building, alternatively get off at either – Kintetsu Nara Station (30 min walk) or JR Nara Station (45 min walk).
Foreign citizens who will be visiting Japan can apply for their Japan Rail Pass to get around with public transportation. The Japanese Rail Pass is available to all foreign visitors who have obtained a Japanese Tourist Visa. Once you have arrived in Japan and wish to travel around this beautiful country in the most convenient and comfortable way and visit all the most famous monuments that Japan has to offer, Japan Rail Pass is the way to go. You may obtain your tickets at any train station from the ticket counters, ticket machines or online.
