Senso-ji
Asakusa, Tokyo, Tokyo Metropolis, Japan Buddhism
Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, centered on devotion to Kannon in historic Asakusa.
Buddhist TempleBuddhismUNESCO World Heritage Site (component)
Todai-ji
東大寺 · Todaiji Temple · Great Eastern Temple
UNESCO-listed Nara temple housing the monumental Great Buddha and central to early Japanese state Buddhism.
Sacred Place Overview
About Todai-ji
Identity, documented context and sacred significance.
Todai-ji is one of Japan’s most historically important Buddhist temples. Its Daibutsuden houses a colossal bronze Vairocana Buddha and anchors Nara’s ancient sacred landscape.
Sacred Place at a Glance
A concise view of the place, tradition, location and heritage details available for this Sacred Place.
Place TypeBuddhist Temple
Religious TraditionBuddhism
Tradition / DenominationKegon
Associated Buddha / BodhisattvaVairocana Buddha
LocationZoshicho, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan
CountryJapan
Established / Period8th century; Great Buddha consecrated 752
ArchitectureMonumental Nara-period Buddhist temple architecture; current Daibutsuden is later reconstruction
HeritageUNESCO World Heritage Site (component)
Governing BodyTodai-ji
Faith, Tradition & Sacred Association
Religious tradition, dedication and sacred associations connected with this place.
Religious TraditionBuddhism
Tradition / DenominationKegon
Associated Buddha / BodhisattvaVairocana Buddha
History & Sacred Tradition
Documented history, sacred narrative and editorial synthesis are kept visibly separate.
Historical Record
Emperor Shomu promoted the Great Buddha project amid political and social crises of the 8th century. The temple became a central institution of state Buddhism.
Editorial Context
Significance: One of Japan’s most important temples and home to the country’s monumental Great Buddha image.
Architecture & Sacred Complex
Monumental Nara-period Buddhist temple architecture; current Daibutsuden is later reconstruction · Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara · UNESCO World Heritage Site (component)
Practices & Visiting Information
Documented worship, observances and practices where available.
Buddhist worship|incense|temple observances
Entry & Visitor Rules
Practical access information and visitor guidance for this Sacred Place.
Entry / Accesspaid
How to Reach
Road, rail, air and local-access information where documented.
Access overview
Bus or walk from central Nara stations.
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Information Status & Sources
Information Status
- Status
- Source Confirmed
- Last checked
- September 23, 2026
- Primary source
- Official Nara Travel Guide