Todai-ji Museum

​A Profound Experience at the Tōdai-ji Museum (東大寺ミュージアム) ​A visit to the Tōdai-ji Museum is not just another museum visit—it is a powerful, moving experience that leaves a deep impression, especially thanks to the collection of colossal and awe-inspiring statues housed within. ​The Sheer Power of Ancient Buddhist Sculpture ​The collection within the museum serves as a gateway to the spiritual life and art of Tōdai-ji Temple throughout history, acting as a repository for some of Japan's most important and magnificent artistic treasures. ​Colossal and Mesmerizing Statues: The highlight, as you mentioned, is the immense presence of the wooden and bronze sculptures. Seeing up close giant statues originally placed in the temple gates or its distant halls allows one to truly grasp their inconceivable size and the stunning detail of the Kamakura and Nara period carving. ​Spiritual and Human Force: The statues, such as the Guardian Kings (Niō) or the Heavenly Kings (Shitennō), are not merely large—they exude dramatic power and facial expressions that inspire deep reverence. The ability to observe them up close, within a well-lit and designed space, emphasizes the divine and human effort invested in their creation. ​History Before Your Eyes: The museum sometimes features models and videos explaining the construction of the famous Great Buddha (Daibutsu) and the turbulent history of the temple, which was destroyed and rebuilt several times. This provides historical depth and increases appreciation for the preservation of these statues over centuries. ​A Sense of Awe and Serenity ​Beyond the size and detail, the entire experience is serene and respectful. The quiet atmosphere inside the museum allows visitors to disconnect from the hustle and bustle outside (which often crowds the main temple area) and surrender to an almost meditative experience before these ancient masterpieces. ​This is truly a rare glimpse into the artistic and spiritual heart of ancient Japan, and the power you felt before the statues is an inseparable part of the charm of Tōdai-ji as a whole.

It was a free admission day when we came here. The two statues kept inside the museum is really big. There are so many artefacts kept here.

The entrance was included in the combo ticket I bought to visit Tōdai-ji Temple, and the visit was worth it. Many statues inside and precious articles (swords and other objects), and exploring the museum won’t take too much time. Nice video at the entrance with some good information. No pictures allowed inside.

The temple stands out with its unique architecture, quite different from typical East Asian temples. The friendly deer roaming the park around the temple also add a charming and memorable touch to the visit. Overall, it’s a highly worthwhile experience.

Super worth the money and time, great exhibition! We do have certain bund with Buddha.

If you are busy, please skip this museum, not much to see and look at. Also it is only describing ~800 AD only; if you look for the entire history of Buddhism in Japan as making connections of other key elements: history, wars, publications, politics, culture and religions. This museum is very underdone.

Incredible must see museme in Nara. So many cool and beautiful artifacts to look at and take in. 11/10 experience. Make sure you check out the temples too!

Nice place and u can get eki stamps there

Visited the Todaiji Temple "Great Eastern Temple" during a recent trip in Osaka, Japan. This Temple is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. We got here at about 9:30 to 10am, the temple was very crowed already.

A very small museum that's included in a package deal. They have AC which is wonderful on a hot day after being bitten by numerous deers. They also have some cushioned seats. It's wonderful.

A must visit while you're in Japan! Todaji Temple was built in the Nara period (710-794 AD) at the behest of Emperor Shomu (r. 724-749). The temple was officially positioned as one of many state-established provincial temples. The temple itself is massive and architecturally impressive. What's even better is the deer here! You can buy packs of feeds for 150¥ and the deer will chase after you to feed them! :) Maintain control and raise your hand, bow, and the deer will bow back to you!!! Sooo cute!! According to our tour guide, the deer themselves live in the mountain across from the temple, and "starts work" at 9am every morning and they will walk across the road to the temple! If you get there 10-15 earlier, you will see the deer walking to the temple from the mountain across! Inside the temple, there is a Great Buddha and other statues. Overall a super fun temple / museum to visit.