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Tō-ji Temple: Kyoto's Enduring Eastern Temple

Explore Kyoto's iconic Tō-ji Temple, a UNESCO site with Japan's tallest wooden pagoda, stunning Buddhist art, and a vibrant monthly flea market.

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Tō-ji Temple, or 'East Temple,' is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Kyoto's oldest temples, dating back to 796. It's famed for its towering five-story pagoda, the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan, and its significant collection of Buddhist statues.

A brief summary to Tō-ji Temple

Local tips

  • Visit on the 21st of the month for the Kobo-Ichi flea market, a lively event with food, antiques, and local crafts.
  • Check the Toji Temple website for special openings of the pagoda's ground floor, offering a closer look at the interior.
  • The gardens are especially beautiful during the spring cherry blossom (sakura) and autumn foliage seasons.
  • Consider visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the temple's peaceful atmosphere.
  • Note that limited express trains do not stop at Toji Station.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Kyoto Station's Hachijo Exit (south exit), walk west on Hachijo-dori Street. Turn south on Abura-no Koji-dori Street, then turn right at the Abura-no Koji Toji-michi intersection. Pass under the Kintetsu Railway overpass to reach Keigamon, the main entrance. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Kintetsu Kyoto Line from Kyoto Station to Toji Station, one stop away. From Toji Station, it is about a 5-10 minute walk to the temple. A single fare from Kyoto Station to Toji Station is approximately 180 yen.

  • Bicycle

    From Kyoto Station area, cycle southwest. Use the entrance next to the east gate to access bicycle parking along the wall behind the gate. Bicycle rentals are available throughout Kyoto, with prices varying. Parking is available (charged).

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Discover more about Tō-ji Temple

Tō-ji Temple, formally known as Kyō-ō-gokoku-ji, stands as a testament to Kyoto's rich history and cultural heritage. Founded in 796, shortly after the capital moved to Kyoto, it served as one of the city's guardian temples, flanking the south entrance alongside its now-defunct sister temple, Sai-ji. Tō-ji, meaning 'East Temple,' is the only one of the original three Buddhist temples in Kyoto to survive to the present day. In 823, Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, was appointed head priest, transforming Tō-ji into a vital center for the Shingon sect. He added many of the temple's iconic wooden structures. The temple complex showcases a blend of architectural styles from the Heian to Edo periods. The five-story pagoda, rebuilt in 1643, is a defining symbol of Kyoto. Standing at 54.8 meters (180 feet), it's the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan and houses relics, sculptures, and paintings. The Kondo Hall, the main hall, houses a wooden statue of the Yakushi Buddha, flanked by Nikko and Gakko Bodhisattvas. The Kodo Hall features 19 statues brought from China by Kobo Daishi, arranged in a mandala. The Miedo Hall is dedicated to Kobo Daishi and contains a statue of him. Visitors can also explore the temple's gardens, which are particularly beautiful during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. On the 21st of each month, the Kobo-Ichi flea market takes place on the temple grounds, offering a wide array of goods from antiques to local crafts.

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