Toshodaiji Temple

What to know

Toshodaiji (唐招提寺, Tōshōdaiji) was founded in 759 by Ganjin, a Chinese priest invited to Japan by the emperor to train priests and advance Japanese Buddhism. Ganjin's role in bringing Buddhism to Japan was immense, and his arrival and teachings at Toshodaiji—meaning "temple of the one invited from Tang China"—were key milestones in that journey.

The temple's main hall (kondo) reopened in late 2009 after a nearly ten-year renovation that involved dismantling and rebuilding the structure. The lecture hall (kodo) originally served as an administrative building in the Nara Imperial Palace and was later relocated to Toshodaiji. Today, it is the only surviving building from the former palace.

The Miedo houses a famous wooden statue of Ganjin, which is open to the public only once a year for a few days around June 6, the anniversary of his death. For the 1250th anniversary of Ganjin's death in 2013, a replica was created and is now permanently displayed.

Several small paths wind through dense foliage on the temple grounds. Ganjin's grave lies at the end of one path, and the surrounding nature creates a serene atmosphere. The temple also features a large Heian-period bell, a chapel, former monks' sleeping quarters, and a treasure house.

The temple is about 500 meters north of Nishinokyo Station, which is next to Yakushiji Temple. To reach Nishinokyo Station from Kintetsu Nara Station, take the Kintetsu Nara Line to Yamato-Saidaiji Station and transfer to the Kintetsu Kashihara Line. The train ride takes about 15 minutes and costs 300 yen.

Buses 72, 78, and 98 run about three times per hour from Kintetsu Nara Station (20 minutes, 310 yen) and JR Nara Station (15 minutes, 310 yen) to Toshodaiji Temple. Get off at the Toshodaiji bus stop right in front of the temple. Bus 98 stops only at Toshodaiji-higashiguchi, a five-minute walk away.