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.
Basic Information
| Address | 1-1-5 Saidai-ji Shiba-cho, Nara 631-0825 |
|---|---|
| Access | 3-minute walk from the South Exit of Kintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji Station |
| Inquiries | Tel: +81-742-45-4700 / Fax: +81-742-45-4720 |
| Website | Saidaiji Temple Official Websitehttp://saidaiji.or.jp/english/ |
| Parking | Paid parking available |
Entrance Fee
| Price (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. |
|---|---|
| Price (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 Disabled Visitors | Admission Fee: 400 yen for individuals with disabilities |
| Hours of Operation | 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) |
Sightseeing
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Flower-Viewing | Linden: June-July |
| Special Openings | ・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. |
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