The central Buddha statue contains an estimated 130 kilograms of gold.
One of the massive wooden support pillars inside the hall features a hole at its base, which is said to be the same size as the Buddha's nostril.
Successfully crawling through the pillar's hole is traditionally believed to grant enlightenment or good luck.
The temple was originally commissioned by Emperor Shomu in 728 AD to serve as the center of a national network of Buddhist temples.
The Nandaimon gate houses two colossal wooden statues of the Nio guardians, carved by the famous sculptor Unkei and his team in the 13th century.
The bronze lotus petal base supporting the Great Buddha is one of the few original 8th-century components remaining.
Todai-ji Daibutsuden is the world's largest wooden building, housing one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues, the Vairocana Buddha. The structure standing today was rebuilt in 1709 and is roughly two-thirds the scale of the original 8th-century temple. It serves as the head temple of the Kegon school of Buddhism. The site is located within Nara Park, a designated area known for its population of over 1,000 free-roaming wild sika deer. The Great Buddha statue itself stands approximately 15 meters tall and consists of 437 tons of bronze. The Daibutsuden hall measures 57 meters in length and 50 meters in width. The temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara. Visitors can access the interior via a massive wooden gate known as Nandaimon.
The path leading up to the main hall, which provides a symmetrical view of the massive roof and the ornate temple architecture.
Approach the deer with caution as they can be aggressive when they spot food, particularly around the vendors selling deer crackers.
Look for the wooden pillar with the small hole near the back-right corner of the hall to observe or participate in the traditional crawl.
Visit the Todai-ji Museum located near the Nandaimon gate to see original temple artifacts and statues not on display in the main hall.
Feeding the deer human food, as they are on a strictly regulated diet; purchasing deer crackers in bulk if you are nervous around animals.
Open daily throughout the year; no seasonal closures.
Remove hats and remain quiet inside the hall; do not touch the statues or artifacts; photography is permitted but strictly prohibit the use of flashes.
