Todai-ji Temple, Nara
Todai-ji Temple
Todai-ji Temple
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,584 within 3 miles
Sobadokoro Kitahara
42
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Asian
Yoshinohonkuzu Tengyokudo Nara Honten
91
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese
Shizuka Park
168
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Asian
Nara
24
92 ftJapanese • Asian • Cambodian • Japanese - Traditional Cuisine
Rokumeien
31
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly
Izasa Todaiji Temple Mommae Yumekaze Hiroba
84
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
Ten Ten Cafe
41
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly
Todaiji Emado Chaya
22
0.2 mi$ • Japanese • Japanese - Other
Sarou Halftime
16
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe
Mahoro Badai Pudding Main Store Todaiji Monmae Kazehiroba
24
0.3 mi$ • Dessert
Attractions
409 within 6 miles
Daibutsuden
100
147 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Todaiji Keidaicho
68
0.1 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Kagamiike
15
440 ftBodies of Water
Aizu Yaichi Kahi
4
492 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Sashizudo
1
488 ftArchitectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Tegaimon
19
0.1 miHistoric Sites
Todai-ji Hokkedo Temple
14
0.1 miReligious Sites
Todai-ji Temple Shoro
6
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Todai-ji Temple, Fudodo
4
0.1 miReligious Sites
Todaiji Temple Cultural Center
158
0.2 miSpeciality Museums
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
5,656 reviews
Excellent
3,948
Very good
1,489
Average
199
Poor
13
Terrible
7
Zimminaroundtheworld
Okinawa Prefecture, Japan1,725 contributions
Nov 2021
Todai-ji Temple is the Most Impressive Temple I've ever seen. This is considered the worlds largest wooden structure. It's massive, I can't even explain how large it is. The Buddha inside was incredible to see as well. I was just in awe the whole time being around here. There is an admission fee here but it is 100% worth it.
Written January 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lance Kerwin
Tromso, Norway614 contributions
Feb 2020
Todai-ji is one of the most imressive temples in Japan.
The grounds around the temple are also well worth visiting. You'll find extensive gardens, museums as well as treasure halls.
The grounds around the temple are also well worth visiting. You'll find extensive gardens, museums as well as treasure halls.
Written January 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dom
Germany23 contributions
Nov 2020 • Friends
Amazing Place, especially the Great Buddha. I got to see Todaiji at night, but it's surely spectacular during daytime as well! I hope you have a great stay.
Written December 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
S.T
1 contribution
Nov 2020
Wanna see the world's biggest and the most dignified statue of Buddha? Then you should get to Todai-ji Temple!
In the huge areas of Todai-ji, there're lots of temples to look around. The statue of Buddha is the most famous landmark.
Since Todai-ji is a historical place that every Japanese citizen learn in schools, there were lots of teens came for a field trip. So you might feel it' a bit noisy. If you wish to stay in silent temples, you might prefer other temples such as Kohuku-ji.
Anyway, I strongly recommend all visitors to get there.
In the huge areas of Todai-ji, there're lots of temples to look around. The statue of Buddha is the most famous landmark.
Since Todai-ji is a historical place that every Japanese citizen learn in schools, there were lots of teens came for a field trip. So you might feel it' a bit noisy. If you wish to stay in silent temples, you might prefer other temples such as Kohuku-ji.
Anyway, I strongly recommend all visitors to get there.
Written November 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
CanuckJames
Nishinomiya, Japan999 contributions
Oct 2020
A Unesco World Heritage site.
It is a must-see but comparatively to other big buddha's, this one is just alright.
Covid travel restrictions have really affected visitor numbers. We had a beautiful October sunny day and there were no lines anywhere including this site. We were able to leisurely see the whole building and statue in about 20 minutes.
As for the statue, considering the age and size, it is impressive. Worthy of a visit, if anything, to admire the engineering involved to build such a big structure.
Not something we will visit again but we are glad we saw it. A must-see in Nara.
It is a must-see but comparatively to other big buddha's, this one is just alright.
Covid travel restrictions have really affected visitor numbers. We had a beautiful October sunny day and there were no lines anywhere including this site. We were able to leisurely see the whole building and statue in about 20 minutes.
As for the statue, considering the age and size, it is impressive. Worthy of a visit, if anything, to admire the engineering involved to build such a big structure.
Not something we will visit again but we are glad we saw it. A must-see in Nara.
Written October 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Elisabethmh
Oslo, Norway566 contributions
Nov 2019
Todaiji Temple in Nara Park - one of Japan's most historic and famous temples and Nara's landmark. Until recently, the world's largest wooden building. A truly impressive beautiful temple that also houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of the Buddha, 15 m high. Highly reccomends a visit.
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Safariholic
Horsham, UK1,935 contributions
Oct 2019
We timed this all wrong. School Groups got priority (no whinge, honest) and there were literally dozens of them, each comprising 40+ Students, all in immaculate Uniforms and beautifully behaved - a credit, if ever there was one.
A Buddhist Temple, which Dates back to 728 AD, with a sad history of Fires (extinguishers were never enough in number nor power) - 5 or more over the years. It was the largest man-made Structure in Japan until the advent of more recent (21st Century) Sporting Stadia.
Sadly, this Photo was as close as we got.
Saved for next time.
A Buddhist Temple, which Dates back to 728 AD, with a sad history of Fires (extinguishers were never enough in number nor power) - 5 or more over the years. It was the largest man-made Structure in Japan until the advent of more recent (21st Century) Sporting Stadia.
Sadly, this Photo was as close as we got.
Saved for next time.
Written September 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
humofert
Corinth, Greece19 contributions
Jan 2020
Shock and awe ! One of the most awe inspiring places I have ever been. A great experience visiting such a great temple. I will revisit any time that I get the chance again.
Written September 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
53Ruta_R
Chicago, IL398 contributions
Dec 2019
Spent a couple of hours here. Unfortunately, I could not enjoy the outdoors too much as the day was rainy.
Inside the temple is a large Buddha.
I visited with my parents and spent about 1.5 hours there, inside the temple and visiting some of the shopping stalls.
Inside the temple is a large Buddha.
I visited with my parents and spent about 1.5 hours there, inside the temple and visiting some of the shopping stalls.
Written August 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
NietzscheWorld
Chicago, IL32 contributions
Apr 2020
Perhaps one of the most beautiful fully bloomed cherry blossom trees I have seen in Japan is on the left of this entryway.
Written May 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jason l
New York City, NY1 contribution
Anyone visiting here please help?
I purchased and lost a small gold token coin that I picked up at the Todai-ji Temple that I would really like to replace. It's just a cheap souvenir coin but I would gladly pay for it plus shipping and something for your troubles. If you can help please reach me at jasonletscher@gmail. Com. Thank you.
Geeess
Rome, Italy2,196 contributions
Try asking the tourist centre there.
S Y
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam24 contributions
where do i ask for free guides?
Dan06101973
Toowoomba, Australia57 contributions
Free guides in a number of languages are available at the entrance.
Maria Laura K
40 contributions
Ciao andrò ad Agosto a Nara
Vorrei sapere come/dove è possibile contattare le guide gratuite
Grazie
Marietto2017
Rome, Italy66 contributions
Ciao. Io sono stato in inverno ma non mi sono rivolto a guide.
Ho assaporato l'atmosfera del grande tempio seguendo il resto dei visitatori (tra l'altro tutti giapponesi e cinesi). E' stato molto bello...
Graeme R
Devonport, Australia194 contributions
Attention alexg sorry about my response to your excellent directions and advice. Stupid iPhone screen small. Could not correct response. I give you 10/10 for your reply. Thanks.
Graeme R
Devonport, Australia194 contributions
Hello. We've just arrived in Namba (closest subway is Nipponbachi). Is there a trick to getting to tōdai-ji without the 2km was from the nearest station which I think is Nara? Would appreciate your advice.
Thanks
Abear88
Box Hill, Australia76 contributions
I would suggest you walk from the station if you are able it's an easy walk with wild deer all along the way we caught a bus from the station which cut the walk in half. Lots of stuff to see a nice walk not far make sure you see the nigatsu-do temple while in the Nara park fantastic views enjoy
Lilly R
4 contributions
what times do the temple open and close ?
Matt Estilo
Chippenham, UK455 contributions
8:00 to 16:30 (November to February)
8:00 to 17:00 (March)
7:30 to 17:30 (April to September)
7:30 to 17:00 (October)
how many takes to Kyoto from a Nara station?
isotta r
Rome, Italy97 contributions
Almost 45 minutes.
StElle
Anywhere85 contributions
What bus (and number) should I take from JR Nara Station to Todaiji? Is it difficult to do if I can't speak Japanese?
How much is the bus fare? Can I pay using ICOCA?
Is it really worth the extra fees to enter the Hokke-do (Sangatsu-do) and Kaiden-in Halls?
GDay1044
Durban, South Africa1,089 contributions
Hi, when you get off the train at J R Nara there is a bus station just outside - cross this and there is a bust stop marked for trips to Nara Park and the temples cant help you with the fare as we stayed near JR Nara station and walked up the hill taking in other sites on the way - it would take about 40 minutes - the Great Buddha hall is a must and probably Hokke -do - each cost Yen 500 per person - we did not go in the Kaidan Hall - not to worry about being able to speak Japanese in the tourist areas most people can understand and speak English and we found that everyone we asked was very helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions about Todai-ji Temple
- Todai-ji Temple is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Todai-ji Temple tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 45 Todai-ji Temple tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Todai-ji Temple:
- Nara Half-day Private Tour Osaka/Kyoto departure with Nationally-Licensed Guide (From $89.51)
- Nara - Highlights Bike Tour (From $89.51)
- Nara Private Tour by Public Transportation from Osaka (From $184.37)
- Nara Day Trip from Osaka with a Local: Private & Personalized (From $325.70)
- The Essence of Nara Cultural Tour: Big Buddha, Bambi and Backstreets (From $60.74)
- Hotels near Todai-ji Temple:
- (0.32 mi) Hotel New Wakasa
- (0.38 mi) Nara Backpackers
- (0.28 mi) Kankaso
- (0.63 mi) Noborioji Hotel Nara
- (1.02 mi) Guesthouse Sakuraya
- Restaurants near Todai-ji Temple:
- (0.02 mi) Nara
- (0.14 mi) Azekura
- (0.15 mi) Todaiji Emado Chaya
- (0.16 mi) Sarou Halftime
- (0.17 mi) Rokumeien
- Attractions near Todai-ji Temple:
- (0.03 mi) Daibutsuden
- (0.11 mi) Todaiji Keidaicho
- (0.08 mi) Kagamiike
- (0.09 mi) Aizu Yaichi Kahi
- (0.09 mi) Sashizudo