Tōdai-ji
東大寺 · Nara, Nara
The Great Buddha cast with the resources of a whole nation by Emperor Shōmu: the world's largest bronze Vairocana, seated in a huge wooden hall.
Know before you go
- Don't speak loudly in the hall
- don't climb anything other than the pillar, including the Buddha's pedestal
- deer on the approach will grab paper and food, so don't hold maps or snacks among them
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
An emperor's attempt to steady the nation through Buddhism
Emperor Shōmu's reign was beset by natural disasters and epidemics; the smallpox epidemic of 735–737 killed a large part of the population, and the capital was moved four times. Believing that Buddhism could protect the nation, in 741 he decreed the founding of provincial temples across the country, and in 743 he decreed the casting of the Great Buddha. Tōdai-ji was founded in 738, and in 752 the Great Buddha was consecrated; this Vairocana Buddha is still the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Tōdai-ji was founded in 738, and its Great Buddha was consecrated in 752. In a time of frequent disasters and epidemics, Emperor Shōmu ordered provincial temples built across the country in 741 and the casting of the Great Buddha in 743. The Vairocana Buddha in the Great Buddha Hall is the largest bronze Buddha in the world; the present hall was rebuilt in 1709. Tōdai-ji is part of the 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara' World Heritage Site.
Local customs
- Put your palms together at the incense burner outside before entering the Great Buddha Hall
- inside, one pillar has a hole at its base said to ward off misfortune if you squeeze through, and there's often a queue
Religion & beliefs
Head temple of the Kegon school.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Don't speak loudly in the hall
- don't climb anything other than the pillar, including the Buddha's pedestal
- deer on the approach will grab paper and food, so don't hold maps or snacks among them
Locals appreciate DO
Locals appreciate visitors who come at opening time and look at the guardian kings in the Nandaimon gate before entering the hall.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Early morning at opening time |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 1.5 hours |
Travel tips
- It's about a 20-minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station
- opening time is quietest
- combine with Nara Park and Kasuga Taisha on the same day
Photos
Photos
663highland · CC BY 2.5
Bigjap · CC0
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