How To Reach Todaiji Temple

Travel Guide to Todaiji Temple, Nara, Japan

Welcome to your guide on how to reach the magnificent Todaiji Temple, one of Nara’s most iconic landmarks. Here’s how you can get there via various transportation methods:

By Train

• From Tokyo: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto Station or Shin-Osaka Station. From there, transfer to a local train to Nara Station.
• From Kyoto: Take the JR Nara Line approximately 45 minutes to Nara Station.
• From Osaka: Take the JR Yamatoji Line roughly 30-45 minutes to JR Nara Station or the Kintetsu Line to Kintetsu Nara Station.

By Bus

• From Nara Station: Once at Nara Station, you can take a bus from both JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station. The bus ride to Todaiji Temple takes about 15 minutes. Look for buses number 70, 72, or 97.

On Foot

• From Kintetsu Nara Station: It is a pleasant 30-minute walk through Nara Park to reach Todaiji Temple.
• From JR Nara Station: The walk is a bit longer, about 45 minutes, but also takes you through scenic areas of the park.

By Bicycle

• Rental Bicycles: A popular option is renting bicycles from shops around the station. It offers a flexible and enjoyable way to see Nara and visit Todaiji Temple.

Additional Tips

• Make sure to check the local train and bus schedules in advance, as there can sometimes be variations due to holidays or maintenance work.
• Combination Tickets: If you plan to visit multiple sites, consider purchasing a combination pass for the bus that might save you money.
• Most visitors prefer to approach the temple through Nara Park, as it offers an enjoyable walk amongst the friendly deer and beautiful scenery.

Visiting Hours and Entry Fees

• Hours: Todaiji Temple is typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but hours can vary by season.
• Entry Fee: As of the last update, the entry fee to the Great Buddha Hall is around 600 yen for adults. Prices are subject to change so please verify this information before your visit.

Enjoy your visit to Todaiji Temple! With its rich history and serene beauty, it promises to be a memorable experience.