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Tōdai-ji Temple

Religious spot
★ 4.9 (22K+ reviews) • 155K+ booked
Discover the awe-inspiring Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan, a magnificent Buddhist complex that stands as a testament to ancient architectural brilliance and spiritual devotion. Home to the world's largest bronze statue of the Vairocana Buddha, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique blend of history, culture, and serene beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. Just an hour's express train ride from Kyoto, this magnificent temple complex promises a journey through Japan's rich history and culture.
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406-1 Zōshichō, Nara, 630-8211, Japan
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Tōdai-ji Temple Reviews

4.9 /5
22K+ reviews
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Klook User
1 Jul
Yuki was our day trip tour guide for Kyoto and she was great, providing info and insights about the places we are visiting.
2+
Klook User
1 Jul
We had an amazing tour today, and our guide Lucia made it extra special. Everything was well-organized from the start—we received all the info we needed about the meetup and itinerary in advance. On the bus, Lucia clearly explained everything, making sure everyone was comfortable and informed before each destination. She was kind, attentive, funny, and such a sweetheart. Her energy really made the day enjoyable. The tour itself was smooth, fun, and full of adventure. I especially appreciated how Lucia made sure we got back to the hotel safely after a long day. I’ll definitely take this tour again when I visit in October and highly recommend it to others. Thank you, Lucia!
2+
Klook客路用户
1 Jul
I brought the elderly at home to Japan for a tour. I searched for one-day tours and found this Nara Uji itinerary. I received a confirmation email soon after placing the order. I also quickly added the tour guide Eve on WeChat, and she sent me the itinerary instructions the afternoon before the trip. We gathered at Nihonbashi in the morning and started the day's tour. There were buses to pick us up, which saved us the trouble of taking the elderly around the subway (the subway in Japan is too complicated 😂). At each attraction, the tour guide Eve was very considerate to share the guide of the attractions, and the explanations in Chinese and English were also great 🎉. The only regret is that there are three tourist attractions in one day, and the free time is relatively short. It would be better if there were two days of tour. Recommended for family travel with the elderly and children
Ser *******
1 Jul
Trip date: June 23, 2025 (Monday) Guide: 于导（Lucia）LULU. Lucia provided clear instructions and directions for us to follow, she would send accurate GPS locations via watsapp to make sure we know our ways around. She was also attentive to call me to ensure we reached our hotel safely after the day tour ended, as my family were the only group that alighted at the Kyoto drop-off point, instead of back to the Osaka drop-off point.
1+
StuJulia ******
30 Jun
Awesome tour, Eve our tour guide was great, very humorous. Very good value for money
Klook用戶
30 Jun
Alex is a amazing tour guide, he shared many tips and the sightseeing spots background story with us! I am glad that joining his tour which brings me a wonderful and unforgettable memory! thank you Alex!
2+
클룩 회원
30 Jun
If you want to travel to Kyoto during your short Osaka trip, I think a guided tour is the best (JR or other transportation...). Also, the guide's Kyoto travel tips and explanations about Kyoto culture made for an enjoyable trip (a must-try for clams!)
2+
李 **
30 Jun
It was a very satisfying trip, compact and rich! Several scenic spots have their own characteristics, fully reflecting the ancient capital culture and Japanese characteristics. The only regret is that I didn't see Toshodaiji Temple. After all, I hope to see the place where Master Jianzhen worked and lived. Special praise for the tour guide Xiao Liu, who is humorous and thoughtful. I hope to experience other routes in the future.
2+

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FAQs about Tōdai-ji Temple

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What to know about Tōdai-ji Temple

Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden)

Step into the Great Buddha Hall, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. This hall, once the largest wooden building in the world, is a testament to ancient Japanese architectural prowess.

Nandaimon Gate

Marvel at Japan’s largest temple entrance gate, the Nandaimon, with its towering wooden pillars that set the stage for the grandeur that awaits inside Tōdai-ji.

Todaiji Museum

Opened in 2011, this museum showcases rotating exhibitions of religious art and cultural treasures from the temple's vast collection.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Tōdai-ji Temple, established in 752, is a symbol of Nara's historical importance as Japan’s first fixed capital. The temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its profound cultural and historical value.

Architectural Marvels

Tōdai-ji's architecture reflects the influence of Chinese Tang dynasty temples. The complex originally included two towering pagodas, a library, lecture hall, and monks' quarters. Today, visitors can still marvel at the intricate designs and historical structures that have been preserved.

Local Cuisine

Savor the local delicacy, gyumabushi, a regional variant of gyudon (beef and rice bowls), at nearby restaurants like Mimaya. For a unique twist, try deer curry, a specialty in some parts of Japan.

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