Tōshōdai-ji
寺

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Tōshōdai-ji 唐招提寺

World Heritage SiteBuddhist temple in Nara Prefecture, Japan

史About

Tōshōdai-ji (唐招提寺) is a Buddhist temple of the Risshū sect in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. The Classic Golden Hall, also known as the kondō, has a single story, hipped tiled roof with a seven bay wide facade. It is considered the archetype of "classical style".

It was founded in 759 by the Tang dynasty Chinese monk Jianzhen during the Nara period. Jianzhen was hired by the newly empowered clans to travel in search of funding from private aristocrats as well.

Tōshōdai-ji is one of the places in Nara that UNESCO has designated as World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara".

A reflection written by Yan Wenjing on the hope for friendly Sino-Japanese relations describing the author's discovery of lotus flowers imported from China which had been planted around the portrait of Jianzhen in the Tōshōdai-ji is included as one of the oral assessment passages on the Putonghua Proficiency Test.

Text from Wikipedia: Tōshōdai-ji — CC BY-SA 4.0. Read more on Wikipedia →

要Quick facts

TypeTemple
LocationNara, Nara
Founded759
DesignationsNational Treasure of Japan
part of UNESCO World Heritage Site
Historic Site of Japan
Official websitetoshodaiji.jp
Nearest stationsNishinokyō Station · 614 m
Kintetsu Kashihara Line
Amagatsuji Station · 664 m
Kintetsu Kashihara Line
Kujō Station · 1.8 km
Kintetsu Kashihara Line
Distances are in a straight line; walking routes are longer.
MapOpen in Google Maps ↗

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Opening hours and fees change — check the official website before you go.

Data: Wikidata (CC0)

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問Questions visitors ask

What is Tōshōdai-ji?

Tōshōdai-ji (唐招提寺) is a Buddhist temple of the Risshū sect in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan.

Where is Tōshōdai-ji?

Tōshōdai-ji is in Nara, Nara. The nearest station is Nishinokyō Station (about 614 m in a straight line).

Is Tōshōdai-ji a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes. Its designations include: National Treasure of Japan; part of UNESCO World Heritage Site; Historic Site of Japan.

When was Tōshōdai-ji founded?

759, according to Wikidata.

What are the opening hours of Tōshōdai-ji?

Hours and fees change by season and for events. Please check the official website before you go: http://www.toshodaiji.jp/

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