Culture
Culture
¥600
30-60m
An incredible ancient temple, established in 728, Todai-ji Temple stands out for its monumental main hall, known as Daibutsuden, which holds the distinction of being the largest wooden structure in the world. Furthermore, the temple houses a remarkable 15-meter-tall Great Buddha statue.
The construction of Daibutsuden began in 752, although it has suffered destruction twice due to fires, first in 1180 and then again in 1567.
Just before entering the main hall on the right side, you'll find a wooden statue of Binzuru (refer to one of the photos). This figure is believed to possess the power to alleviate both physical and mental ailments. Adjacent to the statue, there's a sign indicating that if someone rubs a specific part of the Binzuru image and then rubs the corresponding area on their own body, any ailment in that region will dissipate.
Due to its popularity, this temple tends to get extremely crowded. Therefore, the best times to visit are early in the morning, before 9 am, or late in the afternoon, around 4 pm.
All ages
Things to Do Nearby
Go check out my guide for the best free things to do as well as itineraries and travel tips to make your trip unforgettable.