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Todai Temple

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Todai Temple Weather, Climate and Best Time to Visit

Data source：Meteostat
Update date：2025-09

Todai Temple year round climate

  • Spring (March–May): Average 49–64°F, the climate transitions from cool to warm, with increasing rainfall. March may still be chilly, April becomes warm and comfortable, and May is more humid. Common activities: Visiting Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and enjoying flowers (such as cherry blossoms and azaleas). Recommended clothing: Light jacket, long-sleeved shirt, comfortable shoes.
  • Summer (June–August): Average 73–84°F, hot and humid with higher rainfall, particularly in June. Common activities: Cooling off in and around Todai-ji Temple, visiting museums, and experiencing local cultural activities. Recommended clothing: Light and breathable clothing, sun hat, sunscreen.
  • Autumn (September–November): Average 55–78°F, pleasant and comfortable climate, transitioning from warm to cool with decreasing rainfall. September remains warm and humid, while October and November are crisp and comfortable. Common activities: Viewing autumn leaves, visiting the deer in Nara Park, and experiencing Nara's traditional crafts. Recommended clothing: Comfortable long-sleeved clothing, light jacket, comfortable shoes.
  • Winter (December–February): Average 40–44°F, cold and dry with little rainfall. Common activities: Visiting the interior of Todai-ji Temple, and appreciating Nara's art and culture indoors. Recommended clothing: Warm clothing, thick coat, scarf, hat, gloves.

Todai Temple climatological average

Annual average temperature: approx. 61.7°F / Annual rainfall: approx. 1530 mm / Summer humidity: 70%–80% / Rainiest month: June

Todai Temple monthly average temperature and precipitation

Month
Air temperature (°F)
Precipitation (mm)
January
40.5°F
29.2
February
41.7°F
48.1
March
49.8°F
108.7
April
60.1°F
144.6
May
64.8°F
185
June
73.2°F
302.5
July
82.6°F
179.5
August
84°F
166.6
September
78.8°F
146.2
October
64.8°F
112
November
55.2°F
90.5
December
44.4°F
17.9

Todai Temple weather for the next seven days

12/19
Friday
Sunny
58.1°F/38.4°F
12/20
Saturday
Sunny
62.9°F/46.8°F
12/21
Sunday
Patchy rain nearby
63.4°F/49.1°F
12/22
Monday
Patchy rain nearby
51°F/44.3°F
12/23
Tuesday
Sunny
54°F/43.3°F
12/24
Wednesday
Moderate rain
56.9°F/43.7°F
12/25
Thursday
Patchy rain nearby
47.4°F/41.3°F

Todai Temple Frequently Asked Questions and Useful Information for Travel

What is Todai-ji Temple famous for?

Tōdai-ji is famous for housing Japan's largest bronze Daibutsu Buddha statue within its Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), which is one of the world's largest wooden buildings, and for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing other significant treasures. The temple, a historically important Buddhist complex founded in the 8th century, also serves as the Japanese headquarters for the Kegon school of Buddhism. The temple's main attraction is a massive bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana (Daibutsu). The hall housing the Daibutsu is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. It is listed as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara," a collection of historically significant sites. Tōdai-ji was the principal temple of the Kokubun-ji system, a network of national temples established for national peace and the training of monks.

How long does Todai-ji Temple take to visit?

You should spend at least 2 to 4 hours at Todaiji Temple, with 4 hours being enough for a thorough visit to the main parts of the complex and a focus on the Daibutsu-den Hall and Nigatsu-do Hall. If you only have a short amount of time, prioritizing the Great Buddha Hall is recommended. A 2-Hour Visit allows you to focus on the Daibutsu-den (Great Buddha Hall). A 4-Hour Visit is enough time for a more complete exploration, including walking up the hill to Nigatsu-do for great city views and experiencing the atmosphere of the larger complex. The Daibutsu-den Hall (Great Buddha Hall) is the main and most impressive building, housing the giant bronze Buddha statue. Nigatsu-do Hall offers excellent views of the surrounding city, especially at sunset.

What is the significance of the hole in a pillar at Todai-ji Temple?

Another popular attraction at Todai-ji Temple is a pillar with a hole in its base that is the same size as the Daibutsu's nostril. It is said that those who can squeeze through this opening will be granted enlightenment in their next life.

What is Tōdai-ji and why is it important?

Tōdai-ji is an historically significant Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan, founded in the 8th century. It preserves many precious cultural treasures from its past and continues to be a center for traditional Buddhist rituals such as the Shuni-e held at the Nigatsu-dō. Many people from throughout Japan and the world visit the temple each year to worship and pay their respects, making it a vital cultural and spiritual site.

What are the key structures within Todai-ji Temple?

The most prominent structure at Todai-ji Temple is the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, housing the colossal bronze Daibutsu statue. Another significant hall is Nigatsu-do, known for its architectural beauty and offering panoramic views of Nara. The Nandaimon Gate, guarded by fierce Nio statues, is also a notable entrance to the temple complex.