Temple founded in 759 by the Chinese monk Ganjin; the main structure from the Nara era in perfect condition; admission ~1.000 ¥.
Tōshodai-ji was founded in the year 759 by the Chinese monk Ganjin (Jianzhen), who took twelve years and five failed attempts to cross the sea to Japan, losing his sight in the process. His story of determination makes the temple a place full of meaning. The Kondō (main hall) is the best-preserved example of Nara-period Buddhist architecture, with its great columns of classical order and the majestic hipped roof. Inside, three statues of national importance are venerated: the seated Rushana Buddha, the standing thousand-armed Senju Kannon and the Yakushi Nyorai. The mausoleum of Ganjin, located in a quiet garden at the rear of the precinct, is the most moving point of the visit. Admission costs 1.000 ¥ for adults. The temple opens from 08:30 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30). It is a few minutes' walk from Yakushi-ji, so both are usually visited together in the same morning. In June, for three days, the seated image of Ganjin —normally not on view— is displayed in a special ceremony. Arrive by bicycle from the centre of Nara (about 20 minutes) to enjoy the rural scenery of the area.
