What other travelers are saying about Todai-ji Temple
An impressive construction of both the hall housing the great statue itself and the additional comparatively smaller artworks. The sheer scale of the architecture is impressive. Despite a constant flow of visiting school classes access is good and the crowding is manageable. Please stay respectful to preserve this site for the future and also allow others to see and capture the view for themselves.
Tōdai-ji Temple is home to one of Japan's most spectacular sights: the colossal Great Buddha (Daibutsu), housed inside the massive, world-renowned wooden Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden). The sheer size of this bronze statue and its architectural setting is truly awe-inspiring, embodying a profound sense of history and scale.
The massive Nandaimon Gate, guarded by fierce Nio statues, and the famous wild deer of Nara Park complete this essential Japanese cultural experience.
A Crucial Tip: To fully appreciate the majesty and serenity of this UNESCO World Heritage site, visit early in the morning on a weekday, or during the off-season (like winter). During peak tourist seasons, weekends, and midday hours, the Great Buddha Hall can become overwhelmingly crowded, diminishing the spiritual atmosphere and making it hard to take in the grandeur. Time your visit right, and Tōdai-ji will be an absolute highlight.
Absolutely loved this temple. It is close to Kyoto so I had limited time and did it in half a day. We arrived at 12:30 and left at 4pm. There were cute deer I was able to pet one. The females seem cuter than the male deer and you could pet them. I found the statues of Buddha in Todaiji grand. Read the history if you are interested and you can learn about how Buddhism influenced Japan and ultimately is practiced alongside Shintoism.
We were an Indian family visiting Japan in hot August. What a blessed beautiful Buddha temple!
We visited Nara for just this and the deers. I loved the way the sanctity of the temple is maintained with silence & respect.
We purchased tickets at the main entrance to visit the temple. There's a hot centre pathway towards the temple. Do drink the holy water provided outside the temple, very clean & refreshing.
The massive Buddha statue will put you in awe.
Right outside the temple is a occult figure, whose part you touch & then you touch your own body, your ailments are relieved, as written.
There's lot of souvenir shopping, got few Todaiji folders & fans. Near exit had a popsicle stick & then when feeding the deers enjoyed a matcha ice cream.
Total time to visit is about an hour. We went at Noon!
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We visited Todaji Temple today, and it was a wonderful experience. We took a train to get here, which was very convenient. The surrounding park is huge and lively, with many school kids on day trips, creating a pleasant vibe. The temple itself is beautiful, and deer are everywhere, making the walk even more enjoyable. Don’t miss the delicious ice cream, and make sure to shop at the nearby metro station—especially the French bakery for some great food. Overall, it was a fantastic day!
Todai-ji Temple was constructed in the year 752 under the order of Emperor Shomu. It was built as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples in Japan and played a significant role in the propagation of Buddhism throughout Japan.
Yes, visitors can participate in various cultural and religious activities throughout the year, including meditation sessions, religious ceremonies, and seasonal festivals. The temple grounds are also a perfect place for quiet reflection and appreciation of the surrounding natural beauty.
While Todai-ji Temple can be visited year-round, the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months offer the most pleasant weather conditions. Additionally, special events like the Omizutori (Water Drawing Ceremony) in March and the Shuni-e ceremony offer unique experiences for visitors.
Todai-ji Temple is located in Nara Park in the city of Nara. From Kyoto or Osaka, you can take a train to Nara Station. From there, it's a 30-minute walk or a short bus ride to the temple.
Yes, there is an entrance fee to access the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall). However, walking around the temple grounds is free of charge. Prices may vary, so checking the official Todai-ji Temple website for the most current information is recommended.
