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To-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon Sect. When Heian Kyo "Kyoto" was established in 794, only three Buddhist temples were allowed inside the city limits. 

Two of them were To-ji "East Temple", and Sai-ji "West Temple", which flanked the great Rashomon Gate and were established for the protection of the nation and the new capital.

The third one was the temple Shingon-in located in the Heian Palace. To-ji is the only of the three to survive to the present. 
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Toji Temple

​To-ji which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is literally a treasure trove of Japanese Buddhist art, culture and history.

Many of the structures in its grounds are designated national treasures, including the famous five-story pagoda which burnt down no fewer than four times and was most recently rebuilt in 1644 under the third Tokugawa Shogun, Iemitsu.

The Five-story pagoda stands 55 meters high, and is the tallest wooden tower in Japan.
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To-ji Five-Story Pagoda

The pagoda has been, and continues to be, a symbol of Kyoto.

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Entrance into the pagoda itself is permitted only a few days a year.

To-ji grounds feature a garden and a pond, in which turtles and koi swim. 

Bright colors decorate the interior of many buildings on the site, and Buddhist sculptures compliment the color choices.
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Toji Koshibo Teien

The Kondo or Golden Hall is the main hall of the temple, and contains a statue of Yakushi from 1603.

On the 21st of each month, from the early morning hours until around 16:30 in the afternoon, a famous flea market is held on and around the grounds of To-ji. This market is popularly called Kobo-San. 

The flea market features a variety of antiques, art, clothes, pottery, some food, and typical second-hand flea market goods.

By far the largest market is held on December 21, as it is the last of the year.
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Kondo Hall

To-Ji Temple Access

To-ji is located a 15 minutes’ walk Southwest of Kyoto Station. 
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By Train: From Kyoto Station take Kintetsu Kyoto Line to To-ji Station "2 minutes". To-ji is 5 minutes’ walk away from the station.
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Kobo-San Flea Market

To-Ji Temple - Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture