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Temple · Nara · Kansai

Tōdai-ji

東大寺

Established in 738, this Nara temple houses the largest bronze Buddha statue and serves as headquarters of the Kegon Buddhist school.

Tōdai-ji Model
Tōdai-ji Model
Opening hours
Mon–Sun07:30–17:30
Holidays07:30–17:30
Admission
EveryoneFree
Links
Official websiteEnglish · Japanese
Access
Zoshicho, Nara-Shi, Nara 〒 630-8211

Todai-ji, also known as the Eastern Great Temple, is a Buddhist temple complex in Nara, Japan. Established in 738 CE, the temple was one of the Seven Great Temples and was officially opened in 752 CE. Over the centuries, Todai-ji has undergone multiple renovations, with the most notable being the reconstruction of the Great Buddha Hall in 1709. This hall houses the largest bronze statue of Buddha Vairocana, also known as the Daibutsu. Todai-ji is also the headquarters of the Kegon school of Buddhism. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara", which includes seven other temples, shrines, and sites in Nara.

At Hey Japan!, we strive to keep the places listed on our website as current as possible. However, location owners or management may alter opening times or modify admission requirements without prior notice. Check official websites before visiting.

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Nearby

Places nearby

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Great Buddha Hall

The central hall of Todai-ji temple rebuilt in the Edo period, standing as the world's largest wooden structure after multiple destructions and reconstructions.

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Hokke-dō

Todai-ji's oldest building, constructed between 740-747 and originally dedicated to a Kannon statue, later renamed for the annual Lotus Sutra ceremony.

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Nara Park

Large public park in Nara home to over 1,200 free-ranging sacred Sika deer, with historical temples and shrines for visitors to explore.

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