This temple was established in 759 by the Chinese priest Ganjin (Jian Zhen), who had been recruited by Emperor Shōmu to reform Buddhism in Japan. The temple grounds are pleasantly wooded and mossy, making a good contrast to nearby Yakushi-ji, which is largely devoid of greenery.
The Kondō (Golden Hall), roughly in the middle, contains a stunning Senjū (thousand-armed) Kannon image. Behind it, the Kōdō (Lecture Hall), contains a beautiful image of Miroku Buddha.
Its buildings, in contrast to the bright colors of Yakushi-ji, have been allowed to age, but you can still see remnants of the colors on teh back of the hall.
Tōshōdai-ji is a 500m walk north of Yakushi-ji's northern gate.
