Kansai · NaraCultural
For two nights in mid-August, Todai-ji opens the Great Buddha Hall after dark and swings open the window above the entrance so the Daibutsu’s face looks out over the courtyard.
Overview
The Daibutsuden night worship (yakan sanpai) is one of the few chances in the year to approach Todai-ji’s Great Buddha in the dark, and it is free. The Chumon gate is opened and, more importantly, so is the kansomado — the observation window set high in the front of the hall — so the Great Buddha’s face is visible from outside in the courtyard.
It is a quiet, unhurried event by Nara standards, and it falls in the same week as the Nara Tokae candle festival a few minutes away.
When and Where
13 and 14 August 2026, 19:00 to 21:00. This is separate from the Mantoe Kuyoe memorial service on 15 August, which is a paid event with around 2,500 lanterns set out along the approach.
On 13 August a memorial service for victims of natural and man-made disasters worldwide is conducted from 19:00.
What to Expect
- The Chumon gate opened for night entry
- The observation window on the front of the Daibutsuden opened so the Great Buddha’s face is visible from the courtyard
- The 15 m bronze Great Buddha seen by lamplight rather than daylight
- A markedly calmer atmosphere than the daytime queues
- A disaster memorial service on the evening of 13 August
Admission and Practicalities
The 13–14 August night worship is free of charge.
If you are visiting on 15 August instead, that is the Mantoe Kuyoe lantern offering, and normal Daibutsuden admission applies (¥800 adults and junior high and above, ¥400 elementary school). Entry may be restricted if the hall becomes crowded.
Tips for Visitors
Stand back in the courtyard rather than pressing towards the hall — the open observation window is the shot, and it only works from a distance.
Nara Park has almost no lighting at night. A phone torch is useful for the walk back to the station.
Pair it with Nara Tokae, which runs the same nights and starts a few minutes’ walk away.
Access and Map
| Dates | 13–14 August 2026 (night worship); Mantoe Kuyoe is 15 August |
|---|---|
| Times | 19:00–21:00 |
| Venue | Todai-ji Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), 406-1 Zoshi-cho, Nara City |
| Access | City loop bus from JR/Kintetsu Nara Station to Todaiji Daibutsuden / Kasuga Taisha-mae, then 5 min walk |
| Admission | Free on 13–14 August; ¥800 / ¥400 on 15 August |
| Official site | Todai-ji |
Source: Todai-ji official website
Image: Photo: Kochizufan / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
