Todai-ji

東大寺

Home to the Great Buddha of Nara, a 15-meter bronze statue housed in the world's largest wooden building. The most important temple in the history of Japanese Buddhism. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Todai-ji is located in the northern part of Nara Park. It was founded in the mid-8th century at the behest of Emperor Shomu as the head temple of the national provincial temple system, and it symbolizes the Buddhist state of the Nara period. The Vairocana Buddha inside the Great Buddha Hall (Kondo) stands about 15 meters tall and weighs about 250 tons. It was consecrated in 752 and recast after two fires. The current hall was rebuilt in 1709. It measures 57 meters wide and about 49 meters tall and remains one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, though it is only two-thirds the width of the original. Suggested route: enter through the Nandaimon (South Gate), a National Treasure from the Kamakura period, flanked by guardian figures carved by Unkei and Kaikei that are over 8 meters tall. Then go inside the Great Buddha Hall to pay respects. Behind and to the right of the hall, a pillar has a hole at its base the same size as the Buddha's nostril. Legend says that squeezing through it brings good fortune. Most adults cannot fit through, so it is mainly a children's activity. Then climb the stone steps east to Nigatsu-do, a hall built on a raised wooden stage. It offers views over the Great Buddha Hall's roof and central Nara, is free to enter, and is most beautiful at sunset. Nearby, Sangatsu-do (Hokke-do) houses National Treasure statues from the Tenpyo period. At the foot of the hill, the Todai-ji Museum displays original Buddhist statues and treasures from the Kondo. Admission: the Great Buddha Hall costs 800 yen, the Todai-ji Museum costs 800 yen, and a combined ticket costs 1,200 yen. Nigatsu-do and the Nandaimon are free. Getting there: it is about a 20-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, or take the city loop bus to “Todaiji Daibutsuden/Kasuga Taisha-mae” and walk 5 minutes. Allow about 1.5 hours, including Nigatsu-do. Note: photography is allowed inside the Great Buddha Hall, but tripods are not. Many deer roam the approach, so keep your map and tickets secure. The Mantoro lantern festival on August 15 and the Shuni-e ceremony in March draw especially large crowds at night.

Todai-ji

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