Todaiji temple @ Nara, Japan

Todaiji temple or translated as "Great Eastern Temple" is one of the most famous temple in Japan and a landmark of Nara. The main Todaiji temple hall is the the world's largest wooden building. This is where the world largest bronze Buddha statue (Daibutsu) is located in the hall. The Big Buddha is 15 metres tall and represents Vairocana. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara", together with seven other sites including temples, shrines and places in the city of Nara.

Another popular attraction is a pillar with a hole in its base that is the same size as the Daibutsu's nostril. It is said that those who can squeeze through this opening will be granted enlightenment in their next life.


Todaiji temple.

Giant bronze Buddha statue.

Buddha statue.

Bishamonten statue in Todaiji temple.

People enjoying the view surrounding the temple.


During a certain festival, the small door will open to show the Buddha face outside the temple.

The main hall is decorated during festival.

Me outside Todaiji temple.

Temple visitors will encounter some deer from the adjacent Nara Park.

GPS/Coordinate: 34.688999, 135.839917
Address: 1 Zoshicho, Nara, Nara Prefecture 630-8211, Japan.
Public transport: Todaiji is located in the northern part of Nara Park. It is about a 30 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, or about a 45 minute walk from JR Nara Station.
Admission fee: 500 Yen