📕 Goshuin from visitors
Todaiji (Todaiji Temple)
日本、〒630-8587 奈良県奈良市雑司町４０６−１
A temple in Nara City serving as the head temple of the Kegon (Kegon-shu) sect, Todaiji enshrines the national treasure bronze seated statue of Vairocana Buddha, affectionately known as the 'Great Buddha of Nara.' Its origins are traced to Kinshozanji Temple, founded in 728 CE (Kontai 5) by Emperor Shomu to pray for the soul of Crown Prince Motohito. Following the imperial edict to construct the Great Buddha in 743 CE (Tenpyo 15), a grand eye-opening ceremony was held in 752 CE (Tenpyo Shoho 4). During the Nara period, the temple served as the center of state protection and became a great academy where monks studied eight different sects, including Kegon. The Great Buddha Hall was destroyed twice by fire: during the Burning of Nandai in 1180 CE (Jicho 4) by Taira no Shigemitsu, and by war flames in 1567 CE (Eiroku 10). The current hall was rebuilt in 1709 CE (Ho'ei 6) during the mid-Edo period. The temple is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the 'Cultural Properties of Ancient Nara.'
History
Founded by the initiative of Emperor Shomu, this is the head temple of the Kegon sect. The main deity, Vairocana Buddha, is popularly known as the 'Great Buddha of Nara.' The Great Buddha Hall is one of the largest wooden structures in the world and is a World Heritage Site.
Blessings
The temple is revered for its blessings in the fulfillment of wishes and good health.
What visitors say
The vast temple grounds feature numerous highlights, including the imposing Great Buddha Hall, the South Gate (Nandaimon), and the Mirror Pond (Kyozu). The scenery is particularly beautiful during the autumn foliage season. Deer can be seen along the approach path extending from Nara Park, and several museums are located in the surrounding area. As the grounds are extensive, visitors are recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:30 – 17:30
- Tuesday: 7:30 – 17:30
- Wednesday: 7:30 – 17:30
- Thursday: 7:30 – 17:30
- Friday: 7:30 – 17:30
- Saturday: 7:30 – 17:30
- Sunday: 7:30 – 17:30
Annual events & festivals
- January 1 onwardJoja-no-kane (New Year's Eve Bell) and Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit)
The New Year's Eve bell ringing and the first visit of the year to the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall).
The New Year's Eve bell is rung late at night on December 31st. On January 1st, visitors can perform Hatsumode (first shrine visit) at the Daibutsuden and Nigatsu-do (Second Month Hall) starting from midnight. On New Year's Day, the Kanso-mado (Observation Window) at the front of the Daibutsuden opens, allowing visitors to view the noble face of the Great Buddha from outside.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Joja-no-kane (New Year's Eve Bell)
- ・Viewing the Great Buddha's face through the Kanso-mado (Observation Window)
- ・Hatsumode (first shrine visit) at the Daibutsuden
- Around February 3Setsubun (Bean-Throwing Rite) and Hoshi-matsuri (Star Festival)
Setsubun events featuring the myriad lanterns and star offerings at Nigatsu-do.
At Nigatsu-do, rituals including the removal of old amulets, bean-throwing, and star offerings are performed. The Hoshi-matsuri (Star Festival) is held to pray for the removal of disasters and the invitation of blessings for the coming year.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Myriad lanterns at Nigatsu-do
- ・Mame-maki (bean-throwing)
- ・Hoshi-kyouyou (star offerings)
- March 1-14Ugatsu-e (Water Taking Rite)
The 'Water Taking' rite at Nigatsu-do, an unbroken practice that heralds spring in Nara.
A ritual that has continued without interruption since the 4th year of Tenpyo Shoho (752). Every night, large torches run across the stage of Nigatsu-do. On the late night of the 12th, the 'Water Taking' rite is performed, and near the end of the full course, caged torches are lit. It is known as an event that announces the arrival of spring in Nara.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Large torches at Nigatsu-do (O-matsuari)
- ・Water Taking rite on the late night of the 12th
- ・Unbroken practice continuing for over 1,250 years
- July 28Kaisho-e (Passing Through a Reed Ring)
Passing through the large reed ring at the Daibutsuden to pray for protection from epidemics.
A large reed ring is set up at the Daibutsuden. This summer ritual involves passing through the ring to pray for good health and protection from disease.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Large reed ring at the Daibutsuden
- ・Prayers for good health and protection from disease
- August 7Great Buddha's Body Wiping (Mizuyo)
A traditional event to clean the dust accumulated on the Great Buddha over the year.
In the early morning, monks and staff in white ceremonial attire wipe away the dust that has accumulated on the Great Buddha over the year. Visitors can observe the rare sight of the Great Buddha being cleaned.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Cleaning the Great Buddha's body
- ・Monks in white ceremonial attire
- ・A summer tradition
- August 15Mandou Kyouyou-e (Festival of Ten Thousand Lamps)
A night of Ullambana (Obon) where ancestors are honored with countless lanterns.
Lanterns are lit before the Great Buddha Hall, and candles are offered to the Great Buddha to honor ancestors. The Kanjo window opens, allowing visitors to gaze up at the majestic face of the Great Buddha from the night approach path.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Lanterns filling the approach path
- ・The majestic face of the Great Buddha seen through the Kanjo window
- ・Ullambana (Obon) memorial rites
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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