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.

Plan a trip to see Todaiji Temple

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MINAMISENRI Crystal Hotel

$1,259

per person

Jan 8 - Jan 13

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

New York (NYC) to Osaka (KIX)

8/10 Very Good! (158 reviews)

This hotel is in an apartment building, floors 4-8. We booked this hotel because we were looking for a location semi near the Itami airport for an early morning flight. Unfortunately, this hotel is in a NO taxi pick up area!!! Something we really wish we knew before booking.

Reviewed on Dec 31, 2024

MONday Apart Premium Osaka Namba WEST

Naniwa

$1,564

per person

Jan 8 - Jan 13

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

New York (NYC) to Osaka (KIX)

9.6/10 Exceptional! (161 reviews)

The room has all we wanted. Being able to do laundry in it room was so appreciated.

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2025

MERBABU STAY OSAKA

Chuo

$1,340

per person

Jan 8 - Jan 13

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

New York (NYC) to Osaka (KIX)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (233 reviews)

Clean room, shops nearby, has laundry

Reviewed on Oct 22, 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

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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

Free cancellation available

Food, drink & nightlife

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Kyoto: Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

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Kyoto: Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya

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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 culturally rich 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 culturally rich 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 walkable 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 culturally rich area, find time to visit its temples.

Nara National Museum

4/5(22 reviews)

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.