Tōdai-ji
Temple · Nara, Kyoto

Tōdai-ji

Photo: Wiiii · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Tōdai-ji is a major Buddhist temple founded in the 8th century. Its Great Buddha Hall contains a 15-meter bronze statue of Vairocana Buddha. The grounds include Nara Park with its free-roaming deer.

On day 6 of Kyoto: One Week

Good to know

Tickets
Entry fee for the Great Buddha Hall; other halls charge separately. Check the official website for current prices.
Time needed
Allow 1 to 2 hours
Best time
Early morning to avoid crowds
Getting there
Train from Kyoto to Nara, then a bus or a 20-minute walk through Nara Park

Itineraries with Tōdai-ji

Day 6 of Kyoto: One Week

Nara

How Tōdai-ji fits into a day.
  1. 9:30Tōdai-jiNara
  2. 11:30Nara ParkNara
  3. 13:30Kasuga-taishaNara
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Tōdai-ji questions

How much does entry to Tōdai-ji cost?

A modest fee is charged for the Great Buddha Hall, with separate tickets for other halls and the museum. Check the official website for current prices.

How long does a visit to Tōdai-ji take?

Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours inside the main hall and grounds.

How do you reach Tōdai-ji from Kyoto?

Take a train to Nara, then a local bus or a 20-minute walk through Nara Park.

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