Overview
Founded in 759 by Jianzhen (688-763), the Tang master who reached Japan on his sixth attempt after five failed crossings and the loss of his sight, this is the head temple of the Ritsu school. Its Golden Hall, borne on eight round pillars, is the only Nara-period kondo surviving intact, its serene roofline the essence of Tenpyo culture. Treasures include the Rushana Buddha, a Thousand-Armed Kannon with 953 arms remaining, and the seated portrait of Ganjin — the fountainhead of Japanese portrait sculpture, shown only a few days each June. The mossy path to Ganjin's grave is among Nara's most tranquil corners. A World Heritage Site.
💰 Tickets
JPY 1,000 (adults), JPY 400 (junior/senior high), JPY 200 (elementary); special openings extra.
🎟️ Check ticket prices →Opening Hours
8:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30, open year-round)
🚇 Getting there
About 8 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Nishinokyo Station; 10 minutes north of Yakushi-ji.
⏱️ How long to visit
About 1 hour.
🌅 Best time to visit
Weekday-afternoon stillness is this temple's true luxury; early-summer moss and autumn maples are loveliest.
Travel Tips
It's 10 minutes north of Yakushi-ji — see both. Early June, when the Ganjin portrait is shown and rain deepens the moss, is a surprisingly fine time.
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🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Nara, Japan from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for Japan on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Nara on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.
Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in Nara with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Nara 한인" before you go.
Attractions near Toshodai-ji
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Things to Do in Nara
Deer Feeding in Nara Park
Buy shika-senbei and feed the bowing deer — the essential Nara experience. Morning deer are gentlest for first-timers.
Kimono Rental Stroll
Rent a kimono and wander the park, temples and Naramachi lanes — kimono photos with deer are a Nara exclusive.
Naramachi Lanes & Machiya Tour
Stroll the latticed machiya lanes hung with charm monkeys, linking Koshi-no-Ie, Gango-ji and craft cafes in the old quarter.