Saidaiji Temple
Area
Category
One of the Seven Prominent Temples of Nara
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Emperor Shotoku founded Saidaiji Temple in the first year of the Tenpyo era (765). When it was first built, it was a national temple constructed at the emperor's imperial command. It flourished as one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara, alongside Todaiji Temple and Kohfukuji Temple.
However, the fire of 846 destroyed most of the buildings. During the Kamakura period (1185-1333), Eison, the founder of the Shingon Ritsu sect, rebuilt the temple; however, it burned down again during the Sengoku period (1467-1603).
The buildings that remain on the temple grounds today, designated as Important Cultural Properties, include the main hall, Aizen-do Hall, and Chodo Hall, all of which were built during the mid-Edo period (1603-1868). The "Grand Tea Ceremony," started by Eison, remains a popular event at the temple today.
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General Information
- Address
- 1-1-5, Saidaiji-Shiba-cho, Nara City, Nara
- contact details
- 0742-45-4700（Saidaiji Temple）
- Fax Number
- 0742-45-4720
- Times
- 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Main hall, Shio-do hall,Aizen-do)
June 1st to September 31st: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.(Shuhou-kan Hall) - Access
- 3-minute walk from the South Exit of Kintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji Station
- Car Park
- Paid parking available
- Admission/Worship Fees (Individual)
- 【Common admission ticket（Main Hall, Aizen-do Hall, Shio-do Hall, Shuhou-kan Hall）】
Adults: 800 yen
High School Students: 600 yen
Middle School Students: 600 yen
Elementary School Students: 400 yen
＊Please note: As of March 2022, individual admission to each hall has been discontinued.
＊Separate admission fee for the Jūhōkan (Treasure Hall) is 300 yen.
The hall is open three times a year: January 15 - February 4, April 20 - May 10, and October 25 - November 15. - Admission/Worship Fees (Group)
- For 30 people or more.
【Common admission ticket（Main Hall, Aizen-do Hall, Shio-do Hall, Shuhou-kan Hall）】
Adults: 700 yen
High School Students: 500 yen
Middle School Students: 500 yen
Elementary School Students: 350 yen - Discount for Persons with Disabilities
- Admission Fee: 400 yen for individuals with disabilities
- Events
- ・New Spring Great Tea Ceremony: January 16th
・Kannon Fire Festival: January 18th
・First Horse Day Festival: First "Day of the Horse" in March
・Spring Great Tea Ceremony: Second Sunday (and the day before) in April
・Mantra of Light: October 3rd-5th
・Autumn Great Tea Ceremony: Second Sunday in October - Seasonal Flower Information
- Linden: June-July
- Special Opening
- ・Seated statue of Ragaraja: October 25th - November 15th
・Seated statue of Ragaraja: January 15th - February 4th
・ Jūhōkan is open three times a year: January 15 - February 4, April 20 - May 10, and October 25 - November 15. - Website
