Toji - Kyoto

Located in 1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Toji or Toji Temple (東寺) is one of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kyoto City. 

Toji (東寺)

Toji History

Toji was founded in 796, two years after the capital was moved from Nara to Heian-kyo (old name of Kyoto). The temple was one of the two guardian temples that were built on the main entrances of the Imperial Capital. To-ji, which means "East Temple", was the guardian temple of the East while its sister temple Sai-ji, which means "West Temple" was the guardian temple of the West. This temple stood alongside the Rashomon which is the gate to the Heian capital. Sadly, Sai-ji burnt down in 990, rebuilt, and was ravaged by fire again in 1233. It was never rebuilt after. 

The Toji Kondo as seen from the Nandaimon (gate)

I got to visit Toji during the Kobi-ichi (flea market)

Check out the items you might want to bring home.

Toji was formerly known as Kyo-o-gokaku-ji or The Temple for the Defense of the Nation by Means of the King of Doctrines. It means that the temple provided protection for the nation. 

It's also a famous field trip destination

Toji's famous 5 story pagoda

In 823, Emperor Saga honored the monk Kukai and gave the temple to him. He made Toji the central seminary of Shingon Buddhism and added various buildings such as the pagoda and halls. Most of these infrastructures can still be seen today and as a matter of fact, they have now declared National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. 

Speaking of which, here are some of the National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties found in Toji (Temple) complex:

Toji's Kondo

Kobo-ichi and Toji's Kondo

Kondo (Main Hall) - This is the largest structure in Toji. It was originally built in the 8th century but burnt down in 1486. It was reconstructed in 1603. The Kondo houses the Yakushi Nyorai (statue). It is known as the Buddha of Medicine who heals with mercy the sickness of the body and soul of the people. It is flanked by the Nikko Bosatsu on the right-hand side which is the Bodhisattva of the Sun and the Gakko Bosatsu on the left-hand side which is the Bodhisattva of the moon.  

Toji's Kodo

Kodo (Lecture Hall) - This structure stands in the very center of the precincts of Toji. It was built in 835 according to records but was heavily damaged by several calamities like typhoons and earthquakes and was repaired and reconstructed several times. The present building was built in 1491 but still retains its original style of architecture. Inside the Kodo, the Buddhist statues are arranged according to a mandala that is central to Shingon Buddhism. The principal Buddha, Dainichi Nyorai stands in the center of the 21 other statues housed inside the Kodo. 

Toji's Pagoda

The pagoda as seen from Hyotan Pond

Toji's Five- Storey Pagoda

Five-Storey Pagoda - This structure is probably the most famous of the buildings of Toji. It is also the tallest pagoda in Japan, standing 187 feet. It used to house the relics of the historical Buddha. At present, the pagoda houses four Buddha statues that are located inside on its ground level. Each facing a different direction. Visitors can't enter the pagoda except for special openings but can still view the statues from the designated viewing areas. The pagoda was built in the 9th century. Sadly, it has been struck by lightning and burnt a total of four times in its history was fervently rebuilt by its followers. The present pagoda was built in 1644.

Other things to see in Toji vicinity:

Toji's Nandaimon (gate)

Hyotan Pond

Toji's famed sakura tree

Toji's Hozo

Toji's Jikodo Hall

Toji goshuin

My family and I got to visit Toji on the 5th day of our 2018 Japan trip. It was the second UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto that we have visited during our 5-day tour of the city. During our visit, we were shocked to see a huge crowd of people on the temple grounds. Later on, we found out that there is a flea market called "Kobo-ichi" every 21st of the month. Despite the number of visitors that day, I still managed to get my goshuin and we also got to tour the Hyotan Pond and view the famous five-story pagoda. 

Overall, Toji is a place worth visiting. It would surely transport you back hundreds of years ago in the time of samurais and shoguns. Oh, and please don't forget to buy souvenirs on your way back. 

Toji Entrance Fee

To visit the pond and pagoda, one has to pay 500 yen. 

Toji Opening Hours

Toji is open from 8:30AM - 4:30PM.

Why visit Toji?

Toji is one of the must-visit temples near Kyoto Station. Toji's pagoda is one of the most famous in the city. Aside from that, this temple is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the city. This means that Toji stands out among all the other historic temples in the city. So who wouldn't want to see Toji's magnificence with their own eyes?

Team Nicerio visits Toji

Getting to Toji:

You can reach Toji by foot from these stations:

• JR Kyoto Station, Hachijo Exit (15 minutes walk)
• Kintetsu Line Toji Station (10 minutes walk)

The temple is also a few minutes walk away from the following bus stops:

• Toji Nishimon-mae
• Kujo Omiya
• Minamimon-mae
• Toji Higashimon-mae

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