Todai-ji Great Buddha Hall
Home to the world's largest wooden building and a colossal bronze Buddha statue, Todai-ji offers a profound glimpse into Japan's rich history and spir...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Todai-ji Great Buddha Hall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to the world's largest wooden building and a colossal bronze Buddha statue, Todai-ji offers a profound glimpse into Japan's rich history and spiritual heritage.
"The sheer scale of both the statue and the hall is humbling, and the atmosphere is filled with quiet reverence."
🎟️ Admission Fees
Adults ¥800, kids ¥400. English tour guides available for free upon request.
🚶♂️ Pillar Crawl
Line up for the 'nostril' pillar hole for good luck! Great for kids and adults.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Buddha (Daibutsu)
Daibutsuden Hall
A towering bronze statue, over 15 meters tall, radiating spiritual presence and ancient craftsmanship.
Daibutsuden Hall
Main Hall
The world's largest wooden building, a breathtaking feat of ancient architecture that houses the Great Buddha.
Pillar of Good Luck
Daibutsuden Hall
Crawl through a pillar hole, said to be the size of the Buddha's nostril, for a chance at good fortune.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Scale
Beyond the Buddha
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Is Todaiji in Nara worth going to? Or skip it for Kasuga-taisha instead?
🎟️ Admission Fees
Adults ¥800, kids ¥400. English tour guides available for free upon request.
🚶♂️ Pillar Crawl
Line up for the 'nostril' pillar hole for good luck! Great for kids and adults.
Those of you who believe Nara was the "highlight of your trip," what did you do there?
Three story Buddha in Nara (the pic doesn’t do its scale justice)
🙏 Spiritual Vibe
Experience a sense of peace and ancient culture, even with other visitors.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the immense scale of the hall and the intricate details of the Buddha statue.
The sublime bronze Buddha at Todaiji temple in Nara, Japan.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Admission Fees
Adults ¥800, kids ¥400. English tour guides available for free upon request.
🚶♂️ Pillar Crawl
Line up for the 'nostril' pillar hole for good luck! Great for kids and adults.
🙏 Spiritual Vibe
Experience a sense of peace and ancient culture, even with other visitors.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the immense scale of the hall and the intricate details of the Buddha statue.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Todai-ji for the awe-inspiring scale of its Great Buddha and the Daibutsuden Hall, often describing it as a humbling and spiritually uplifting experience. The unique pillar crawl for good luck is also a memorable highlight for many. Some note that while the hall has been rebuilt, its historical significance and architectural grandeur remain undeniable.
"It’s a pure historical site where you’ll find the world largest Buddha statue of bronze. Inside the main hall will give you some spiritual feel as well as ancient cultures idea. It’s a unique experience one must try.
Fee: ¥800
Hours: 8:00~17:00"
aL riZ
"Quick entry, about 800 yen adult and 400 yen kids. Nice shrine, very impressive the size of Buddha. Clean area. English tour guide available upon request for free with entry. Pay extra for audi tour guide. Bathroom available outside pay area. Small shops inside for lucky charms and souvenirs."
Jessica M
"The Great Buddha at Tōdai-ji in Nara is one of Japan’s most awe-inspiring cultural treasures. The Daibutsu, a towering bronze statue of Vairocana Buddha standing over 15 meters tall, sits inside the massive wooden Daibutsuden Hall — the largest wooden building in the world. The sheer scale of both the statue and the hall is humbling, and the atmosphere is filled with quiet reverence despite the number of visitors. The craftsmanship of the statue, originally cast in the 8th century and restored through the centuries, reflects both spiritual devotion and remarkable engineering skill. A unique highlight is the pillar with a hole said to be the size of the Buddha’s nostril — children (and some adults) line up to crawl through it for good luck. This is a must-visit for anyone traveling in Japan, not just for its religious importance but also for its place in world architectural history"
JP ODonnell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Todai-ji is easily accessible within Nara Park. From Nara Station, you can take a bus to the Todaiji-daibutsuden bus stop, or enjoy a pleasant 20-minute walk through the park, often accompanied by friendly deer.
Yes, Todai-ji is a must-see in Nara, especially for its historical significance and the sheer scale of the Great Buddha and its hall. It's a central attraction in Nara Park.
Absolutely! Todai-ji is a popular day trip destination from both Osaka and Kyoto. Trains run frequently, making it a convenient addition to your itinerary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children. This grants you access to the Daibutsuden Hall and its impressive Buddha statue.
Todai-ji typically opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM. It's advisable to check the official website for any seasonal variations or special closures.
Tickets can usually be purchased on-site upon arrival. Advance booking is generally not required, making it easy to visit spontaneously.
Yes, free English guided tours are available upon request with your entry ticket. Audio guides are also available for an additional fee.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the Daibutsuden Hall, but it's always respectful to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography, especially near the sacred Buddha statue.
The exterior of the Daibutsuden Hall offers stunning architectural shots. Inside, try to capture the immense scale of the Great Buddha and the surrounding statues. The pillar hole also makes for a unique photo opportunity.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Todai-ji was established in the 8th century and is one of Japan's most historically significant temples. It played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism in Japan and houses the Great Buddha, a symbol of national unity and spiritual devotion.
The current Daibutsuden Hall is a reconstruction, as the original buildings were destroyed by fires and earthquakes. However, it remains the largest wooden building in the world and is a testament to traditional Japanese carpentry.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Marvel of the Daibutsuden Hall
Walking into the hall, you're immediately struck by the vastness of the space. The traditional Japanese carpentry techniques employed are a marvel, showcasing a deep understanding of wood and structural integrity. The atmosphere inside is one of quiet reverence, even amidst the flow of visitors, allowing for a moment of reflection on the centuries of history and devotion this structure represents.
The Awe-Inspiring Great Buddha
The craftsmanship involved in creating such a monumental statue without modern technology is astounding. The spiritual energy emanating from the Daibutsu is palpable, offering visitors a profound sense of peace and connection to ancient traditions. It's a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Buddhist art and devotion in Japan.
The Pillar of Good Luck
This tradition draws a crowd of both children and adults eager to test their agility and seek fortune. The playful yet meaningful ritual adds a touch of interactive fun to the solemnity of the temple, making it a memorable experience for many visitors. It's a simple yet profound way to engage with the temple's lore and traditions.
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