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. |
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. |
The pagoda has been, and continues to be, a symbol of Kyoto.
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. |
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. |
To-Ji Temple AccessTo-ji is located a 15 minutes’ walk Southwest of Kyoto Station.
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. |
To-Ji Temple - Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture