Tōdai-ji or simply Todai ji is a Buddhist Temple located in Nara, Japan. Home to one of the world’s largest sitting bronze statues of Buddha and one of the world’s largest wooden buildings, Tōdai-ji is a must visit temple in Japan. When visiting Tōdai-ji, make sure to walk through the Namdaimon (Grand South Gate), go to the Tōdai-ji Museum, take photos at the Tōdai-ji Kagami-Ike Pond, and pay the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) a visit.
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The history of Tōdai-ji dates back to the year 728 although it was the year 752 when the temple was complete.
Due to an earthquake in 855, the Great Buddha within the temple was damaged, the statue actually lost its head but was restored shortly after.
Like many wooden structures in Japan, the temple was damaged or lost due to fires, lightning strikes, and even attacks.
The current building at Tōdai-ji we all see today when visiting Nara was constructed in 1709. The current building complex is actually 30% smaller then what it used to be. Which is a surprise because Tōdai-ji is massive.
Visiting Tōdai-ji
Admission and Hours
Admission
Adult – ¥600
6 – 12 Years Old – ¥300
The Great Buddha Hall and Tōdai-ji Museum Joint Pass
Adult – ¥1,000
6 – 12 Years Old – ¥400
Hours
Great Buddha Hall
(Daibutsu-den)
April – October November – March
7:30 – 17:30 8:00 – 17:00
Tōdai-ji Museum
April – October November – March
9:30 – 17:30 9:30 – 17:00
Admission and hours are accurate according to the Todai-ji Website.
Tōdai-ji Namdaimon (Grand South Gate)
When visiting Tōdai-ji, the first thing you will notice is the Tōdai-ji Namdaimon or Grand South Gate.
Tōdai-ji Namdaimon is the main gate to access Namdaimon.
The Grand South Gate was constructed in the year 752 but was destroyed by a typhoon. The current gate visitors see today was built in 1203 and it reaches 25 meters in height and is the largest temple gate in Japan.
One of the most notable features of Tōdai-ji Namdaimon are the two guardians known as Ni-ō (Two Kings) of Tōdai-ji. These imposing statues are 8.4 meters in height.
Tōdai-ji Museum
It is well worth purchasing the combined Great Buddha Hall and Tōdai-ji Museum joint pass for ¥1,000.
The museum can be accessed prior to the Great Buddha Hall right after crossing the Tōdai-ji Namdaimon. Tickets for the museum and The Great Buddha Hall can be purchased either at the museum or at Tōdai-ji.
The museum is a modern complex with a cafe, restrooms, and rest area.
The museum itself is not large, I’d say you can get through it in 30 minutes or an hour depending on how much you read.
The Tōdai-ji museum holds treasures and important artifacts from Tōdai-ji and many of these items are on display. You can see Gigaku Masks from the 8th century and several statues of Buddha from the 8th and 9th centuries.
Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall)
To me, the most impressive building in all of Nara is Daibutsuden, the Great Buddha Hall. You simply can’t fathom the size of this building until actually seeing it in person. It’s mind blowing!
This is the main hall of Tōdai-ji and it is home to the Great Buddha, Vairocana Buddha (Daibutsu).
For starters, the Great Buddha Hall was originally constructed in 752. The wooden building was destroyed a few times by fire. Today’s Great Buddha Hall is from the Edo Period and is considered to be the largest wooden structure in the world.
Just south of Nara City in Nara Prefecture is Horyu-ji, considered the oldest wooden structures in the world. So Nara is home to both the largest and oldest wooden structures.
When entering the Great Buddha Hall, you instantly see Vairocana Buddha, the Great Buddha.
The Great Buddha at Tōdai-ji is one of the world’s largest seated statues, 15 meters in height.
Conclusion
Visiting Tōdai-ji in Nara needs to be added to everyone’s Japan itinerary. From the historical and impressive wooden building to the imposing Great Buddha statue there is so much to appreciate. Tōdai-ji remains my favorite temple in Japan and seeing it a second time was even more awe inspiring. Do yourself a favor and add Nara to your itinerary and do not miss Tōdai-ji.
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Train Travel 🚂🚊
For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site.
