Enjoy a more relaxed pace of sightseeing — and perhaps even tap into your spiritual side — at Todaiji Temple. If it's possible to go inside, why not stick around for a moment of quiet contemplation?

This place of worship in Nara comes recommended by many travelers, so make a spot for it on your travel itinerary. Don't think the sightseeing ends there, however. There are plenty more places waiting for you to discover after Todaiji Temple. Nara Park, Kasuga Shrine, and Yakushi-ji Temple are close by.

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ORI Rokkaku

Downtown Kyoto

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$2,426

per person

Apr 5 - Apr 10

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Los Angeles (QLA) to Osaka (KIX)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (110 reviews)

The property it self is great. The room is very spacious. Staff is friendly. Walking distance to everything. Location is in the neighborhood area so very quiet and safe. Will definitely come back and recommend.

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2026

The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu

Higashiyama Ward

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$2,748

per person

Feb 21 - Feb 26

found 13 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

New York (JFK) to Osaka (KIX)

9.6/10 Exceptional! (137 reviews)

The stand out about this hotel is the people. Everything with the property is excellent. But a hotel is about people. The people that care for you here are so lovely and warm that they feel more like family. You really look forward to seeing them every day and engaging them on the traditions and culture of Japan.

Reviewed on Nov 20, 2025

KABIN Koji

Shimogyo Ward

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$2,433

per person

Apr 2 - Apr 8

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

New York (JFK) to Osaka (KIX)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (246 reviews)

Very clean and fair price for the amenities.

Reviewed on Nov 20, 2025

Browse tours and tickets to explore Todaiji Temple

Tours & day trips

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From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour

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Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available)

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Private & custom tours

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From Tokyo to Kyoto and Nara: A Captivating Full-Day Private Tour

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Osaka and Nara Day Tour with Private Transportation

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Adventure & outdoor

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E-Bike Nara Highlights - Todaiji, Knives, Deer, Shrine

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Reviews of Todaiji Temple

4.6

Top Destination

5 - Excellent

260

4 - Good

114

3 - Okay

18

2 - Disappointing

1

1 - Terrible

0

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Absolutely gorgeous, a don't miss. We were able to take a bus there, easily. Can get a reflection of the Temple in the water surrounding it.

Popular places to visit

Isui-en Garden

Stroll amid landscaped gardens, enjoy lunch at a historic teahouse, delight in mountain scenery and browse art exhibitions at this elegant city garden.

Nara's near proximity to the cities of Kyoto and Osaka makes it an easy side trip in anyone's Kansai itinerary. And although most people come to Nara for the roaming (but tame) deers and the historical temples, Nara park offers a lot of hidden gems that I would recommend devoting a whole day to enjoy a trip to Japan's first permanent capital.
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Take for example, Yoshikien Garden: it is a mere walking distance away from Todaiji temple and yet it is almost always missed by tourists. Foreign travelers can avail of the free entrance just by showing their passports. The moss garden

Yoshiki-en

You can find out about the history of Nara when you stop by Yoshiki-en. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its temples.

The deer in Nara know how to bow and are everywhere. Very interesting experience!

Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine

After visiting Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Nara. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its temples.

Nigatsu-do Temple

Nigatsu-do Temple is just one of the places to see in Nara, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its temples.

4 days ago at this tiny shrine near to Todaiji which is the first in Nara to bloom. A world of differences in 3 days as Osaka & Kyoto are now in full bloom! This picture was taken on Mar 3.

Himuro Shrine

Himuro Shrine is just one of the places to see in Nara, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this walkable area, find time to visit its temples.

Nara National Museum

A fascinating collection of Nara and Buddhist art is on display at this 130-year-old museum. Admire Japanese National Treasures and visit a historic teahouse.