Toshodaiji (唐招提寺, Tōshōdaiji) was founded in the year 759 by Ganjin, a Chinese priest who was invited to Japan by the emperor in order to train priests and improve Japanese Buddhism. Ganjin's influence in the introduction of Buddhism to Japan was monumental, and his arrival and teaching at Toshodaiji (which roughly translates to "temple of the one invited from Tang China") were important stages in that process.
Toshodaiji's main hall (kondo) was re-opened in late 2009 after being renovated over a period of almost ten years, during which the building was dismantled and reconstructed. The temple's lecture hall (kodo) was originally an administrative building located in the Nara Imperial Palace and was later moved to Toshodaiji. Today, it is the only surviving building of the former palace.
The Miedo stores a famous wooden statue of Ganjin which is displayed to the public only once a year for a few days around June 6, the anniversary of Ganjin's death. On the occasion of the 1250th anniversary of Ganjin's death in 2013, a replica of the statue was created that is now on permanent display to the public.
There are a number of small paths on the temple grounds that cut through thick overhanging foliage. Ganjin's grave is located at the end of one of these paths, and the surrounding nature gives the area an atmosphere of serenity. The temple also has a large bell from the Heian period, a chapel, sleeping quarters once used by monks in training, and a treasure house.
Getting there and around
By train
The temple is located about 500 meters north of Nishinokyo Station, which is located just beside Yakushiji Temple. Nishinokyo Station can be reached from Kintetsu Nara Station by taking the Kintetsu Nara Line to Yamato-Saidaiji Station and transferring to the Kintetsu Kashihara Line. The entire train ride takes about 15 minutes and costs 300 yen.
By bus
Bus number 72, 78 and 98 provide three connections per hour from Kintetsu Nara Station (20 minutes, 270 yen) and JR Nara Station (15 minutes, 270 yen) to Toshodaiji Temple. The closest bus stop to get off is Toshodaiji (唐招提寺) right in front of the temple. Bus number 98 only stops at the Toshodaiji-higashiguchi bus stop (唐招提寺東口), a five minute walk away.
When returning to central Nara, buses do not serve the Toshodaiji bus stop. Instead, you can catch bus number 72, 77 and 97 from Toshodaiji-higashiguchi bus stop.
Hours and Fees
Hours
Closed
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Nara
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Guest House OkuLocated 1.8 km from Nara Station, 18 km from Iwafune Shrine and 22 km from Higashiosaka Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Guest House Oku provides accommodation situated in Nara. This 2-star guest house offers luggage storage space and bicycle parking. The guest house features family rooms. With a shared bathroom, units at the guest house also offer free WiFi. Nippon Christ Kyodan Shijonawate Church is 23 km from the guest house, while Shijonawate City Museum of History and Folklore is 23 km away. Itami Airport is 53 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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TsukihiteiTsukihitei is located in the Kasugayama Primeval Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each guest room has a Japanese-style decor and offer panoramic forest views, traditional tatami (woven-straw) floors, and shoji paper screens. All guest rooms are equipped with Japanese-style futon beds. The rooms have an en suite bathroom. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is 400 metres away from the property. Todaiji Temple is about a 10-minute walk away. Kintetsu Nara Train Station and JR Nara Train Station are both less than a 10-minute drive away. Japanese-style breakfast and a set meal course dinners are prepared by the Japanese chef using seasonal specialities.View on Booking.com -
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Guesthouse NaramachiOffering a shared lounge and garden view, Guesthouse Naramachi is set in Nara, 1.6 km from Nara Station and 20 km from Iwafune Shrine. There is a private entrance at the guest house for the convenience of those who stay. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All units are air-conditioned and some of them feature a seating area with a flat-screen TV, and a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area. The units are equipped with a safety deposit box and free WiFi, while certain rooms here will provide you with a terrace. At the guest house, units come with bed linen and towels. The area is popular for cycling and hiking, and bike hire is available at this 2-star guest house. An indoor play area is also available at the guest house, while guests can also relax in the garden. Higashiosaka Hanazono Rugby Stadium is 23 km from Guesthouse Naramachi, while Nippon Christ Kyodan Shijonawate Church is 24 km away. Itami Airport is 54 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Kotonoyado MusashinoKotono yado Musashino offers accommodation in Nara, and is located a 11-minute drive from Nara Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property and free private parking is available on site. Every room includes a flat-screen TV. You will find a kettle in the room. Rooms include a shared bathroom. For your comfort, you will find slippers and a hair dryer. There is luggage storage space at the property. The ryokan also offers free use of bicycles. Kofuku-ji is 1.1 km from Musashino, while Kasuga Taisha is 300 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Osaka Itami Airport, 39 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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NARA Visitor Center and InnThe Nara Visitor Center and Inn is situated in the heart of Nara, just a 3-minute walk from Kofuku-ji Temple and Naramachi. The Todai-ji Temple and Deer Park are a 10-minute stroll away, while Nara Station on the Kintetsu Line is a 7-minute walk. JR Nara Station is 14-minutes away on foot. All guest rooms feature air conditioning and heating, and are equipped with a fridge and flat-screen TV. Japanese samue nightwear are available to all staying guests. Some units come equipped with an en suite bathroom with a shower, while some Japanese-style rooms come with an en suite shower. Japanese-style rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. The property offers free WiFi access and a 24-hour front desk. Luggage storage is available. There is a public bath on site, where guests will find free toiletries and hairdryers. A coin launderette, a shared kitchen and free-use internet PCs are offered on site. The on-site tourist information desk offers information in English, Chinese and Korean. Services offered at the desk include transport and meal tickets at a discount, currency exchange, bike hire at a charge, cultural activities at an additional charge, such as Japanese calligraphy lessons, and tour arrangements. Some cultural activities such as origami folding are offered free of charge.View on Booking.com -
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Yuzan GuesthouseLocated in Nara and with Nara Station reachable within 1.3 km, Yuzan Guesthouse provides a garden, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a terrace. This 1-star hostel offers a shared kitchen and luggage storage space. Nippon Christ Kyodan Shijonawate Church is 22 km from the hostel and Shijonawate City Museum of History and Folklore is 22 km away. The hostel offers certain rooms that include a safety deposit box, and each room has a shared bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. Iwafune Shrine is 18 km from Yuzan Guesthouse, while Higashiosaka Hanazono Rugby Stadium is 21 km away. Itami Airport is 53 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Hilo HostelHilo Hostel is located in Nara, within less than 1 km of Nara Station and 18 km of Iwafune Shrine. The 3-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with a shared bathroom and free WiFi. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests. Higashiosaka Hanazono Rugby Stadium is 21 km from the hostel, while Nippon Christ Kyodan Shijonawate Church is 22 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 53 km from Hilo Hostel.View on Booking.com -
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Guesthouse TamuraOffering a garden and garden view, Guesthouse Tamura is situated in Nara, 1.7 km from Nara Station and 19 km from Iwafune Shrine. It is located 23 km from Higashiosaka Hanazono Rugby Stadium and features luggage storage space. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. Featuring a shared bathroom with a shower and slippers, units at the guest house also boast free WiFi. At the guest house, every unit is fitted with air conditioning and a safety deposit box. An Asian breakfast is available each morning at the guest house. A bicycle rental service is available at Guesthouse Tamura. Nippon Christ Kyodan Shijonawate Church is 24 km from the accommodation, while Shijonawate City Museum of History and Folklore is 24 km from the property. Itami Airport is 54 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Mountain Home Lodge in Deer ParkMountain Home Lodge in Deer Park is situated in the Nara Park district of Nara, 3.3 km from Nara Station and 20 km from Iwafune Shrine. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the property. There is a private bathroom with bidet in some units, along with free toiletries, a hairdryer and slippers. If you would like to discover the area, hiking is possible in the surroundings. Higashiosaka Hanazono Rugby Stadium is 23 km from the lodge, while Nippon Christ Kyodan Shijonawate Church is 25 km from the property. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 55 km from Mountain Home Lodge in Deer Park.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel New WakasaA 12-minute walk from the Kintetsu Nara Train Station, Hotel New Wakasa offers Japanese-style rooms with tatami (woven-straw) flooring. A spacious public bath and foot bath is available for guests to relax in. Free luggage before and after check-in is available on site. Free WiFi is available at the entire building. The air-conditioned rooms feature Japanese futon bedding and a separate seating area. Each provides a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and an electric kettle with green tea bags. The en suite bathroom includes a hairdryer. Guests can go to the roof terrace for a beautiful view of the Mount Wakakusa and the Todaiji Temple. A private spa pool with the same view can be requested with an extra cost. A Japanese dinner and breakfast are served in the dining room. New Wakasa Hotel is an 5-minute walk from the Todaiji Temple, and a 15-minute walk from the Nara Park. It is also an 8-minute walk from Isuien and an 80-minute bus ride from Kansai Airport. The property provides free guided tours in English to guests as a service. English maps and information are available on site as well.View on Booking.com
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Experiences around Nara
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Nara Autumn Leaves Festival (11.2-12.1)A must-visit autumn foliage spot located in Nara, the entire mountainside of Murou-ji Temple becomes covered in red. Visitors can enjoy premium experiences such as special viewings and lavish dinners.View experienceSponsored
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Kyoto and Nara Private Car Charter with English Speaking GuideExplore Kyoto and Nara city on a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto!View on Klook -
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Departing from Osaka｜ Kansai private chartered one-day tour｜Osaka Kyoto Nara Kobe Awajishima Amanohashidate Lake BiwaKansai Region｜Customized 10-hour chartered one-day tour from Osaka (Kyoto), free planning of the entire route, professional driver recommended attractions, spend a relaxing and rich one-day tour!View on Klook -
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Osaka Kyoto Nara Kobe Customized Chartered Car One day TourNo shopping, pure play journey, no mandatory shopping.View on Klook
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