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Todai-Ji Tours

Top Attractions in Japan 601
Todai-Ji Tours

Are you looking for a tour to Todai-Ji? Buddhism, one of the most important religions in Japan history, was introduced to the country in the 6th century by Korea. Today, thousands of Buddhist temples are spread throughout the country, and Todai-Ji is among the most remarkable. Located in the northern part of Nara Park, Todai-Ji is 1.5Km away from the Kintetsu Nara Station. People arriving at the station from other part of the country can reach the temple with a 5 minute drive or a 20 minute walk.


What to see in Todai-ji
Once the most influential Buddhist in the country, Todai-ji was constructed in 738 CE, but it was not open to the public until 752 CE. The temple, unfortunately, was once destroyed in the Genpei Civil War during the late 1100s. The government later reconstructed the temple, yet the size was only two thirds of the original. Nonetheless, the main hall, Daibutsuden with a height of 157 ft, remains the largest wooden structure in the world. The bronze Buddha statue resides inside amounts to 49 ft, and it is the largest in Japan.



Along with Kofukuji Temple and Kasuga Shrine, Todai-Ji hosts the Wakakusa Yamayaki every year. Wakakusa Yamayaki is an annual festival during which Mount Wakakusa, about 3.5 km East to the temple, is purposefully set on fires. The original cultural significant of the ceremony remains unclear.  Some believe setting fire was used to drive away the wild animals infesting the village in the past, others debate such was a boastful gesture during the boundary conflict among the temples in ancient time. Today, Wakakusa Yamayaki is merely a vibrant festival celebrated by local spectators and international tourists. In additional to feeding the adorable deer and wandering around ponds, make sure to pay a visit to Todai-Ji during your trip to Nara Park.


How to Get to Todai-ji
Opening Hours: Open all day, but, in which large Buddha Hall, March Hall, Jietan Church visit time for November-February of the following year 8:00-16:30, March 8:00-17:00, April-September 7:30-17:30, October 7:30-17:00
Entrance Ticket: East Temple is free, in which the Buddha Hall, March Hall, Jietan Hall need to buy tickets, all adults (over junior high school age) 500 Yen, 300 Yen for primary school students
Address: 406-1, the town of Sakamachi, Nara City, Japan
Duration: 4 hours

 

Todai-Ji Tours

As a reliable Japan tour operator, we provide private transfers and tours to Todai-Ji in Nara for travelers. Whether you are looking for a short tour or a private chauffeur, you can easily find the most suitable one at an affordable price. Contact our representatives to book our Japan group tours and Kyoto Private Chauffeurs.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I get to Todai-Ji with public transportation?
    Take the Yamatoji line or the Kintetsu Nara Line and get off at the Nara station. Then take a city bus to the Todaiji stop, there will be a 5 minute walk to the temple. Alternatively, you can take the Kintetsu Nara Line and get off at Kintetsu Nara station. You may reach the destination in a 20 minute walk.
  • What are the open hours for Todai-Ji?

    1 APR – 31 OCT: Monday to Sunday 7:30AM to 17:30PM Last admission at 17:00PM

    1 NOV – 31 MAR: Monday to Sunday 8:00AM to 17:00PM Last admission at 16:30PM

  • How do I get a ticket for Todai-ji? Do I need appointment in advance?
    No appointment is needed for visiting. Upon arrival, purchase an admission ticket at door. For adult, ticket for the Great Buddha Hall is 600 yen and Todaiji Museumis 1000 yen. For child, ticket for the Great Buddha Hall is 300 yen and Todaiji Museum is 400 yen.
  • Where can I see deer in Todaiji? Can I feed them?
    From Nara Park, you will see deer on the way to Todaiji Temple. However, majority of the deer gather on the main street of the temple. You may feed the deer, but only with the deer-crackers sold at the booths around the park.
  • What are other places to see near Todaiji?
    Other popular attractions include Nara Park, Kasuga Grand Shrine, Byodoin, Tale of Genji Museum, Mimuroto Temple, and it takes about a day to visit all these places.
  • What are the recommended hotels near Todaiji?

    Hotels at different rating levels are abundant in the area. For hotels with high quality and affordable prices, you may consider:
    Kanko Hotel Tamaru (about 488m from Todaiji)
    Hotel New Wakasa (about 531 from Todaiji)
    Kotonoyado Musashino (about 840m from Todaiji)

  • Do you provide day trip to Todaiji from Osaka?
    We do offer day trip to Todaiji. However, because tour guides are usually in high demanding during peak season, prices are high. Thus, we recommend a car rental service, and our drivers can speak simple English.
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