Kansai Region Sights

Guidebooks

Toshodai-ji

Toshodai-ji Review

The main entrance to Toshodai-ji, which was built in 751, is called the Path of History, since in Nara's imperial days dignitaries and priests trod this route; today it is lined with clay-walled houses, gardens, and the occasional shop selling crafts or nara-zuke.

At the temple's entrance entasis pillars support the Nandai-mon (Great South Gate). Beyond the Nandai-mon is the Kon-do (Main Hall), a superb example of classical Nara architecture. It was restored in 2009. Inside the hall is a lacquer statue of Vairocana Buddha, the same incarnation of Buddha that is enshrined at Todai-ji. The halo surrounding him was originally covered with 1,000 Buddhas; now there are 864. In back of the Kon-do sits the Daiko-do (Lecture Hall), formerly an assembly hall of the Nara Imperial Court, the only remaining example of Nara palace architecture.

Toshodai-ji is a 10-minute walk from the rear gate of Yakushi-ji along the Path of History. From central Nara or Horyu-ji, take Bus 52 or 97 to the stop in front of Toshodai-ji.

    Contact Information

  • Address: 13-46 Gojo-cho, Western Nara, Nara, 630-8327
  • Phone: 0742/33-7900
  • Cost: ¥600
  • Hours: Daily 8:30--5
  • Location: Western Nara

Fodorite Reviews

Be the first to review this property

Free Fodor's Newsletter

Subscribe today for weekly travel inspiration, tips, and special offers.

· Forums Trip Reports

  • Kyushu Trip May 2013

    Trip Report Kyushu May 2013
    I will try to trace our Kyushu trip for forum members and those interested in this part of Japan.
    Here is basic itinerary
    0-- Depart Hawaii, Hawaiian Air - Honolulu -Fukuoka Read more

  • A tale of two Japans: a trip report

    Greetings all
    We are back, and I am jotting down a few things quickly while my mind is still fresh.
    First off: thanks to the many Japanophiles here on Fodors who infected us with their enthusiasm: hawaiiantraveller, Read more

View more trip reports

·

  • Kyushu Trip May 2013

    Trip Report Kyushu May 2013
    I will try to trace our Kyushu trip for forum members and those interested in this part of Japan.
    Here is basic itinerary
    0-- Depart Hawaii, Hawaiian Air - Honolulu -Fukuoka Read more

View more travel discussions

· News & Features

View more blog stories