Toshodaiji Temple｜What to See ＆ Do

Toshodaiji Temple

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Area

Western Area

Founded by the Chinese monk Ganjin, who overcame hardships to come to Japan and spread the correct precepts of Buddhism.

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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 experienced a period of decline, but it 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.

Nara's World Heritage Sites: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/world-heritage

Nara for first-timers - a thorough guide to Nara City, from history, highlights, and the popular, to hidden gems! Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, access information, and more.: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/narashi

Special feature on the proper etiquette to observe when visiting Shinto shrines and temples: What are the differences between temples and shrines? What must you avoid doing? This feature explains all these and more!: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/manner

The most photogenic "New Eight Scenic Views of Nara" from the World Heritage Site, "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara".: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/shinnantohakkei

〈This year's campaign has ended〉Join Us on the “Nara-Nishinokyo Lotus Road” to Enjoy the Breathtaking Lotus Flowers!: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/lotusroad

Related itineraries

Itinerary for 2 days and 1 night from Hōryūji to Nara Park to feel the history of Asuka and Nara Periods.: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_11.html

Itinerary for 3 days and 2 nights to enjoy Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka to the fullest: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_13.html

Itinerary for 3 days and 2 nights to visit Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan and Nara/Kyoto: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_17.html

Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples１: Tour by train, bus or cab: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_22.html

Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples２: Tour four temples on foot: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_23.html

Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples３: Touring Four Temples by Bicycle: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_24.html

Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples４: Tour four temples by car: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_25.html

Events

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General Information

Address: 13-46 Gojo-cho, Nara City, Nara
contact details: 0742-33-7900（Toshodaiji Temple）
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 Station and Kintetsu Nara Station, take a bus heading to Rokujo-yama and ride for 17 minutes, getting off at the Toshodaiji bus stop. Alternatively, it's a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Nishinokyo Station.
Car Park: Parking Lot:
Available (150 cars, paid)
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (temple grounds open from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)

Bus:
2,420 yen for the first 2 hours
550 yen for each additional 60 minutes

Car:
550 yen for 60 minutes
110 yen for each additional 30 minutes
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