A temple with the tallest fifive-storied pagoda in Japan
It is the head temple of the To-ji Shingon sect and the first esoteric Buddhist temple built in Japan. It was founded 2 years after the construction of Heian-kyo in Enryaku 13 (794) for the protection of the nation. In the lecture hall built by Kobo Daishi as the fundamental training hall of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, there are 21 Buddha statues called three dimensional mandala including Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana) and Godai Myoo (Five Great Wisdom Kings).
In the photo, the five-story pagoda rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu is 55 meters tall, the highest in Japan. The view from the garden with the gourd pond is wonderful.
To-ji Temple (Kyo-oh-Gokoku-ji)
075-691-3325
1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi
15 minutes' walk from Kyoto Station, or 10 minutes' walk from Kintetsu Toji Station
8am- Last reception 4.30pm (Homotsu-kan is from 9am)
Free walking (Kon-do Hall, Kodo Hall 500 yen, Treasure Hall 500 yen)
Parking: 50 cars (600 yen for 2 hours)
Closing dates : Open year round (Treasure Hall is open only from March 20 to May 25 and from September 20 to November 25.)
