Todai-ji Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall)

Until recently, Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall) was world's largest wooden building (apparently now the largest wooden structure in the world is Tillamook Air Museum constructed in 1942). Daibutsuden is truly massive - it is 57 metres long and 50 metres wide. This huge building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The 15 meters tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas.

Also on display inside the Hall are:

• full-scale replicas of the lotuses of Buddha pedestal,
• full scale replica of shibi (decorative golden tile placed at both ends of the main roof that is also a rain cover),
• the model of the original temple (scale 1:50),
• the model of the Hall from 800 years ago (scale 1:50),
• the model of the Hall from 300 years ago, the body we are seeing today (scale 1:50).

People of a small posture may attempt to squeeze through a tiny hole in one of the pillars. The opening is the same size as the Daibutsu's nostril. It is said that those who can achieve that will be granted enlightenment in their next life.

The temple is open 07:30-17:30 (April to October) and 08:00-17:00 (November to March). The entrance fee to Daibutsuden Hall (Oct 2023) was 600 ¥ per person. Combined ticket to both Todaij Museum and Daibutsuden Hall cost 1000 ¥.