Todai-ji Roben-ki: Hidden Buddhas Unveiled 2026

Dates & time: December 16, 2026 (Wed) Memorial service from 8:30 (Kaisan-do)
Halls open after the service until 16:00 (opening time differs by hall)
cost: ¥800 per hall (junior high school age and up; charged at each hall)
Venue & access: Todai-ji: Kaisan-do, Hokke-do (Sangatsu-do) and Shunjo-do, Nara From JR Nara or Kintetsu Nara Station, take the city loop bus to "Todaiji Daibutsuden / Kasuga Taisha-mae". The temple has no parking of its own.

There are 5 public restrooms within a 8-minute walk of Todai-ji: Kaisan-do, Hokke-do (Sangatsu-do) and Shunjo-do, Nara. The map shows each with its walking time.

Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.

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Why You Should Visit

A memorial service held every December 16 on the death anniversary of Roben, the monk who founded Todai-ji. On this one day three normally closed halls open their hidden images: the National Treasure seated statue of Roben in the Kaisan-do (Founder's Hall), the National Treasure standing Shukongojin in the Hokke-do (Sangatsu-do), which is shown only on this day each year, and the seated portrait of Chogen, the priest who rebuilt the temple, in the Shunjo-do. These statues can be seen only once or twice a year, so it is worth planning a winter day in Nara around this date if Buddhist sculpture is on your list.

Programs

Timetable & Map

NOTE

On the day:

If no one is waiting in line at 16:00, the halls close then.
Members of the Friends of Todai-ji and the Great Buddha supporters' association enter free with their membership card.

※ Hours and fees for 2026 will be announced in the temple's official news.

History Heritage Culture Art Limited Time Solo Trip Half Day

出典: 東大寺公式サイト

Kobe · Gluten-free

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FAQ

Can I see the Roben statue or the Shukongojin on other days?

No. Both are shown only once a year, on December 16. The Chogen statue in the Shunjo-do is also shown on July 5.

How much is admission?

Entry to each unveiled hall is ¥800 (junior high age and up), paid separately at each hall, so all three come to ¥2,400.

How late can I arrive?

All halls close at 16:00. If no one is in line at that time, the doors close then.