[citation needed] On the invitation of Emperor Shōmu, he visited Japan to establish Huayan Buddhism in the country.

According to the Shūi Wakashū, quoting from the Tōdaiji Yōroku, Gyoki stated that they were together at Vulture Peak when the Buddha preached the Lotus Sutra.

Their exchange is recorded thus:[5] Gyoki: On the Holy Mount, In the presence of Sakya, The self consistent Truth we swore has not decayed: I have met with you again!

Baramon Sojo in reply: The vow we swore Together at Kapilavastu Has borne fruit: For the face of Manjusri I have seen again today!

He was treated with great honour and lodged in the temple called Daian-ji, where he founded Kegon Buddhism and also taught Sanskrit.

In 752, Emperor Shōmu asked him to perform the eye-opening ceremony for the giant bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana built in Tōdai-ji.

After a visit to Mount Tomi (Nara), Bodhisena petitioned the emperor to name the prayer hall there Ryōsen-ji (霊山寺), as he found the place to strongly resemble the mountain in India where the Buddha preached, known as Vulture Peak, or Ryoujusen (霊鷲山) in Japanese.