Saidai-ji Temple
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Saidai-ji was founded in 765, the first year of the Tempyo Era, by Empress Shotoku. When it was originally constructed, the temple grounds were prosperous, and filled with a great many buildings, but most of these original buildings were destroyed in a fire in 846. During the Kamakura Period (1185-1333), reconstruction was undertaken by Eison, the founder of the Shingon Risshu sect of Buddhism. Despite this, the buildings were lost to fire once again during the Warring States Period (1467-1603). The buildings currently standing within the temple complex (the main hall, Aizen-do Hall, and Shio-do Hall, all Important Cultural Properties) were built during the mid-Edo Period (1603-1868). To this day, the "Great Tea Ceremony," which was begun by Eison centuries ago, remains a popular event at the temple.
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General Information
- Address
- 1-1-5 Saidai-ji Shiba-cho, Nara City, Nara
- contact details
- +81-742-45-4700
- Fax Number
- +81-742-45-4720
- 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
