landmark · Nara
Todai-ji (Great Eastern Temple)
406-1 Zoshicho, 630-8211
Why it matters
Todai-ji (Great Eastern Temple)
Todai-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the Daibutsu (Great Buddha) — the world's largest bronze Buddha statue — inside the world's largest wooden building. It has been the spiritual center of Japanese Buddhism since the 8th century.
Interests
Practical
- The Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) is the world's largest wooden structure
- 15-meter tall bronze Buddha cast in 752 CE
- Located in Nara Park; deer roam freely around the temple grounds
- Allow 1-2 hours including the surrounding Nara Park area