Tōdaiji was once one of Japan’s Seven Great Temples and houses the world’s largest bronze Buddha. As one of the main sites of interest in Nara, the Temple was originally built in 752 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the Daibutsuden (the main hall surrounding the seated Buddha) there are models of previous temple structures and a pillar with a hole the size of the Buddha’s nostril in it. If you can climb through the hole, you’ll be granted a long life — so it’s worth a try!
The Nandaimon Gate which stands at the temple entrance is the largest gate of its kind in Japan, with the two guardians within known as the two kings of Tōdaiji.
The temple is a 19 minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station and a 30 minute walk from Nara Station.
Note that the entry fee is just for entering the complex. If you want to enter the great Buddha hall or the Tōdaiji Museum, there are separate charges. They do have a “set ticket” which provides admission to both for ¥1,000.
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Children: ¥300
- 1.2 km from Kintetsu Nara Station Kintetsu Nara Line (A28)
