Toshodaiji, in Nishinokyo near Yakushiji, was founded in 759 by Ganjin (Jianzhen), the revered Chinese monk who, after five failed attempts and the loss of his eyesight, finally reached Japan to establish proper Buddhist ordination — a story of extraordinary devotion. His temple is one of Nara’s most serene: its Kondo (Golden Hall), built in the classical Tenpyo style with a colonnade of eight great pillars, is considered one of the most beautiful ancient buildings in Japan, and the temple grounds, quieter and more wooded than most, hold a lacquered seated statue of Ganjin himself, a National Treasure shown to the public just a few days each year.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Nishinokyo, Nara |
| Hours | 8:30–17:00 |
| Admission | ~¥1,000 |
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours |
| Best time | Year-round; Ganjin statue shown early June |
What to See
- The austere Tenpyo-era Kondo and its colonnade of eight pillars.
- The serene, wooded World Heritage grounds.
- The National Treasure lacquered statue of Ganjin (rarely shown).
- The story of the blind master’s crossing to Japan.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Yakushiji , a 10-minute walk away.
- Pair with Horyuji on an ancient-temples day.
- Read our Nara overview .
Getting There
- By train: Kintetsu to Nishinokyo Station, a short walk to the temple.
- On foot: linked to Yakushiji by a pleasant path.
Tips
Pair Toshodaiji with Yakushiji next door, but come to Toshodaiji for a very different mood — its wooded, uncrowded grounds and the noble simplicity of the Tenpyo-era Kondo are deeply calming. The revered lacquered statue of Ganjin is only shown for a few days around early June; if you can’t time that, his story and the serene halls are reward enough.
