Toshodaiji Temple was built by monk Ganjin (Jianzhen) in 759. Ganjin was born in China and was a high priest. He was asked to come to Japan to propagate Buddhism. On the his seventh voyage attempt of voyage to Japan across the East China Sea, he finally arrived in Japan and opened this temple. After 16 years had passed since his first voyage attempt, he went blind due to the tough situations of his voyage failures.

The Main Hall and the Lecture Hall are original and remain "Tempyo-style", which means the architectural style in the Nara Age. The Drum Tower was rebuilt in 1240 during the Kamakura Age. These buildings are national treasure of Japan.

The Buddha statues inside these buildings are national treasures of Japan. There is also a wooden statue of Ganjin, enshrined at Goeido. This national treasure statue is open just for three days a year at the beginning of June.

On the east side of the Main Hall and the Lecture Hall, there are two old warehouses. These are the Treasure House and the Scripture House. The style of architecture of these two building is called square log architecture. The Scripture House is the oldest building of this architectural style in Japan.

At the north area of Toshodaiji Temple, the tomb of Ganjin is located. The garden in front of the tomb is fully covered by moss. The view of the garden was very impressive.

How to get there
Toshodaiji Temple is just an 8 minute walk from Nishinokyo Station.
Also, a 12 minute walk from Amagatsuji Station.

Official English site: http://www.toshodaiji.jp/english/index.html

Other Historical Sites near by:
Yakushiji Temple
Yasumigaoka Shrine