Toshodaiji Temple

About the facility

The temple was built in 759 by high priest Ganjin invited from Toh, or the Tang Dynasty of China, upon request from Emperor Shomu. While most of Nara's grand temples were imperial temples built upon the requests of emperors of the times, Toshodaiji is characterized by being a private temple developed based on Ganjin's wishes. There are many Buddhist constructions on the temple's grounds, including the Kondo (Golden Hall), the Kodo Lecture Hall, two azekura (column-free architecture) buildings, and the Koro, which are all national treasures. They were gradually organized with donations from the imperial palace, etc., and still show the architecture of the time today. There are also magnificent Tenpyo-culture sculptures.