Toji Temple

Toji Temple 東寺

Overview

Toji Temple

Toji Temple  is a Shingon sect Buddhist temple in south Kyoto. Its pagoda is visible from the bullet train platforms at Kyoto Station and from the train as it pulls into Kyoto.

Toji literally means "East Temple," and in the past there was a West Temple, called Saiji. They framed the famous Rashomon Gate, which was the southern entrance to the Heian capital. (Saiji was destroyed many centuries ago; Rashomon is also gone and is remembererd best as the classic film by Kurosawa and is noted with a historical marker.)

Toji was founded in 796 C.E and is closely associated with Kobo Daishi (aka, Kukai). Kukai was a monk, civil servant, scholar, poet, and artist, and the founder of the Shingon sect. He became the head priest at Toji in 823. The oldest building on the grounds today dates from the late 1400s.

The pagoda at Toji is 54.8 meters (180 feet) high; this is the tallest wooden tower in Japan. Entrance into the pagoda itself is allowed only a few days a year.

On addition to the pagoda, the temple is known for its Buddhist sculptures, a pond, and the Rakunan school (Kyoto's most prestigious high school).

Toji is now designated by UNESCO a World Heritage site.

Last, on the 21st of each month there is a flea market held on the grounds of the temple. Used antiques, art, clothes, pottery, and more are on sale. (On the 25th of each month, a similar flea market is held at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.)

Relevant Routes

Toji Temple is on the Kyoto Station to Toji Temple Route. 

Address

1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Japan Tel: 075 691 3325

Hours

8:30 to 17:30 (until 16:30 from mid September to mid March).  Entry ends 30 minutes before closing. Admission: 500 yen (800 yen during special openings of the pagoda).

Map

Toji Temple Map

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