Toshodaiji Temple

The basics

Toshodaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was prominent in Japan’s transformation into a Buddhist country, so it’s of great cultural importance. It was one of the first temples in Japan dedicated to a Chinese Buddhist denomination. Architecture and design enthusiasts will notice the difference between Toshodaiji and other nearby temples.

Many travelers visit the temple independently and combine it with nearby Yakushiji Temple. Some guided tours of Nara include a stop at Toshodaiji, though many focus more on Nara Park, so you may want to opt for a customizable private tour. Both cycling and walking are popular ways to see the city.

Things to know before you go

• There’s an admission fee to the temple, with reduced prices for teens and kids.
• Some English-language information is available at the temple.
• The grounds are thick with foliage, making this an especially beautiful place to visit in the fall.

How to get there

Many visitors to Nara will find themselves in Nara Park, but Toshodaiji is further west, and easy to reach on the Kintetsu–Kashihara train line. The temple is about equidistant from the Amagatsuji and Nishinokyo stations, about a 15-minute walk from either station. If you’d rather get closer to the entrance, bus numbers 72 and 78 run regularly from Kintetsu Nara Station to just outside the temple.

When to get there

The temple is open daily from early morning to early evening. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time, but most visitors will want to leave more time to explore. If you’re visiting Japan in the winter, the Toshodaiji Ominugui event takes place on December 15, when hundreds of monks and volunteers gather to clean the temple’s Buddha statues. Visitors can join in for a small fee. Like many Japanese temples, Toshodaiji is open late on December 31, for New Year’s celebrations.

Visit nearby Yakushiji Temple

A short walk south of Toshodaiji Temple is the grand Yakushiji Temple, which is very different in style. It was founded in the 7th century, making it one of Japan’s oldest temples (although the main hall was rebuilt after a fire in the 1970s). The red wood detailing and ornate pagodas flanking the main hall are especially beautiful.