Toji Temple (Kyo-o-gokoku-ji) is a Shingon Buddhist temple, a World Heritage Site and home to Japan's tallest wooden pagoda (57 meters).
When Japan's capital was transferred from Nara to Kyoto in 794, two large temples were built to the east and west of the main entrance of the now Imperial City.
The 'West Temple' no longer exists, but To-ji, meaning 'East Temple' has fortunately survived until this day.
Opening times and admission
Open daily from 8:30 am to 4 pm (with slightly longer opening times in the warmer months - March-April 8:3am to 4:30 pm and April-September 8:30 am to 5 pm)
Admission is 500 Yen for adults, 400 Yen for high school students and 300 yen for junior high and Elementary School Children. An entry ticket grants access to the Kodo, Kondo and view of the Pagoda from the outside.
During special viewing times, you can purchase a ticket (800 yen) which also grants you access to the ground level of the pagoda.
How to get there
From Kyoto Station, you can walk for 14-15 minutes or take the Kintetsu-Kyoto Line to Toji Station (1 stop, 1 minute, 180 yen) then walk for 7 minutes.
Address: 1 Kujocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8473, Japan
The Five-Storied Pagoda is one of Kyoto's most popular attractions.
Measuring 187 feet, it is the tallest pagoda in Japan.
Initially built in the 9th century, the current building dates back to 1644.
The building contains relics of the historical Buddha and is closed to the public most days.
Photography is not permitted inside the pagoda, Kodo and Kondo.
The pagoda is not the only impressive building at Toji Temple. The Main Hall (Kondo), originally built in the 8th century and reconstructed in 1603 is Toji's largest structure and a National Treasure of Japan.
Inside this large building which combines Japanese and Indian architectural styles, you can see three amazing statues depicting the Buddha of Medicine along with the Bodhisattvas of the Sun and the Moon.
The Lecture Hall's (Kodo) current building dates to 1491 and is a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Inside you can see 21 large Buddhist Statues arranged according to a Shingon Buddhism mandala.
Monthly, the Toji Temple grounds are home to a couple of markets:
On the 21st of each month, the Kobo-ichi (Mieku) flea market
On the first Sunday of every month, the Garakuta-ichi antique market
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How long does it take to visit Toji Temple?
In almost two hours I had a look inside the Kodo and Kondo, got close to the pagoda, took more than enough pictures of it and the cherry/plum blossoms, and had a nice walk around the pond and the other fascinating buildings on the temple grounds.
The minimum amount of time I would suggest you allow for this visit is an hour. If you're there during the Sakura season or while the market is taking place, then I would set aside an extra 30 minutes to an hour.
Have you ever been there? If so, I would love to hear about your visit there, in the comments below.
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