Toji, Kyoto 
Toji (or To-ji, "Eastern Temple") is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in the city center of Kyoto, Japan. It is best known for its five-story pagoda, the highest wooden tower in Japan.
History
Established by imperial edict in 796 AD and named Kyo-o-gokoku-ji, Toji was built to guard the city. It is more commonly known as Toji (Eastern Temple) because it once had a partner, Saiji (Western Temple), and the two stood alongside the Rashomon, the gate to the Heian capital. These were the only two temples that Emperor Kammu permitted to be built in the city, for he had had enough of the powerful Buddhists during his days in Nara.
In 823, Emperor Saga gave the temple to the priest Kukai (Kobo Daishi), who founded the Shingon sect of Buddhism. To-ji became one of Kyoto's most important temples.
Fires and wars during the 16th century destroyed most of the temple buildings. One survivor is the Kodo (Lecture Hall), which has survived intact since it was built in 1491. The others were rebuilt, including the Kondo (Main Hall) in 1603.
UNESCO designated Toji a World Heritage Site in 1994. Today it is an oasis of calm in central Kyoto.
What to See
Toji's most eye-catching building is the 57-meter (180-foot), five-story pagoda, reconstructed in 1695. It is the tallest wooden tower in Japan. The Kodo (Lecture Hall), dating from 1491, contains 15 original statues of Buddhist deities that were carved in the 8th and 9th centuries. The temple's principal image is of Yakushi Nyorai, the healing Buddha.
Festivals and Events
There is a popular antiques market held at Toji on the 21st of every month until around 4:30, and a smaller one on the first Sunday of the month.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Kyo-o-gokoku-ji, To-ji, Toji, Eastern Temple |
| Type of site: | Shingon Buddhist temple |
| Dates: | Founded 796; oldest building dates from 1491; statues from 8th and 9th centuries |
| Size: | Pagoda: 57 meters (180 feet) high |
| Record: | Tallest wooden tower in Japan |
| Location: | Minami-ku, central Kyoto |
| Address: | 1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Japan |
| Hours: | Mar 20-Sept 19: daily 9-5; Sept 20-Mar 19: daily 9-4:30 |
| Cost: | Main buildings ¥500, grounds free. |
| Train: | Kintetsu Kyoto Line to To-ji Station (one stop from Kyoto Station) |
| Bus: | 207 to To-ji-Higashimon-mae stop |
| Walk: | 10 minutes west from the central exit of JR Kyoto Station |
Travel Resources
- Kyoto Guided Tours - city tours and day trips
- Kyoto Hostels - budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Kyoto Hotel Reviews - unbiased ratings from fellow travelers
- Kyoto Travel Forum - tips, advice, answers on Kyoto
Location Map
Location and satellite view of Toji in Kyoto (the pagoda is at the lower right of the rectangular temple complex). Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. You can explore all of Kyoto from space with our Kyoto Satellite Map.
Sources
- Fodor's Japan, 17th ed.
- Toji - Japan-Guide.com
- Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto - UNESCO World Heritage List
