Toshodaiji Temple

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Toshodaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was founded in 759 by the Chinese monk Ganjin, who overcame hardships to come to Japan in response to an invitation from Emperor Shomu in order to spread the correct precepts of Buddhism.

After the capital was moved to Kyoto, the temple fell into decline for a time, but has since been restored several times. The temple complex is beautifully surrounded by greenery, and still conveys the atmosphere of the time of its founding in the Nara period.

Many of the buildings from that time remain, including the Kondo Hall, known for its "Tenpyo roof," the lecture hall, and the treasure hall. The entire temple complex retains its appearance from 1,300 years ago.


(5 minutes' walk from Kintetsu Nishinokyo Station)

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General Information

Address
13-46 Gojo-cho, Nara City, Nara
contact details
*81-742-33-7900
Fax Number
0742-33-5266
Times
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Last entry at 4:30 pm.)
Closed
Open all year
Access
From JR Nara St.,Kintetsu Nara St., or Kintetsu Nishinokyo St., taking a bus bound for Rokujo-yama and ride for 17mins and get off at 【Tosho-dai-ji】bus stop. Or 10 minutes by walking from Kintetsu Nishinokyo St.
Car Park
Available
Admission/Worship Fees (Individual)
Adult: 1000 yen
High School Student: 400 yen
Junior High School Student: 400 yen
Elementary School Student: 200 yen
Admission/Worship Fees (Group)
For 30 people or more

Adult: 800 yen
High School Student: 320 yen
Junior High School Student: 320 yen
Elementary School Student: 160 yen
Discount for Persons with Disabilities
Half-price
Senior Discount
Free for seniors who present their senior booklets/"roushun teichou." (For residents of Nara)
Events
Uchiwa-maki (Fan-throwing Ceremony): May 19th, 3:00 p.m.
Kaisanki(Sharie): June 5th-7th, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Shushoe: January 1st-3rd
Kangetsu-Sanbutsukai(Moon watching ceremony): September, the harvest moon day
Shaka-Nenbutsue: October 21st-October 23rd
Ominugui(ceremony of cleaning of Buddha statue): December 15th, 9:00 a.m.
Seasonal Flower Information
Lotus, Late-June to July, nearly 60 varieties arranged in pots in the front garden
National Treasure
Kondo(Golden Hall), Kodo, Koro, Kyozo,Hozo, Statue of Buddha, Statue of Ganjin Wajo, Statue of Bhaisajyaguru, thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara, Statues of Brahma-Deva and Sakra devanam Indra, Stuatues of four devas
Special Opening
June 5th to June 7th: Statue of Ganjin Wajo
March 1st to June 30th: New Trasure room
May 19 th: Chukodo special opening
23rd August-24th August: Zizodoh special opening
September 1st to November 30th: New Trasure room
October 21st to October 23rd: Raidoh
Website

Toshodaiji Official Website

Remarks

Shinhouzou Treasure House (Spring & Autumn): Adults and University Students: 200 yen High School, Middle School, and Elementary School Students: 100 yen

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