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Read the English + Japanese version｜英語＋日本語版はこちら
Introduction｜はじめに
Tō-ji is one of Kyoto’s most important historic temples.
Located about a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station,
the temple is known for its five-storied pagoda,
Buddhist halls,
and deep connection with Kōbō Daishi Kūkai.
Rising approximately 55 meters above the temple grounds,
the pagoda has become one of Kyoto’s most recognizable landmarks.
🟫 MINI MEMO
In 1994,
Tō-ji became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site
“Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”
History & Cultural Heritage｜歴史・文化財
Tō-ji was founded in 796,
shortly after the capital was moved to Heian-kyō.
It was established as one of two major temples
built near the southern entrance to the new capital.
In 823,
Emperor Saga entrusted Tō-ji to Kūkai,
the Buddhist monk later known as Kōbō Daishi.
Under Kūkai,
Tō-ji developed into an important center
of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism.
Today,
Tō-ji preserves many valuable buildings,
Buddhist statues,
paintings,
and religious traditions.
The five-storied pagoda,
Kondō Hall,
Mieidō Hall,
and several Buddhist statues
are designated as National Treasures.
Nandaimon Gate｜南大門
Nandaimon Gate stands
on the southern side of the temple grounds.
Its large wooden structure
creates an impressive entrance to Tō-ji.
After passing through the gate,
the five-storied pagoda
gradually comes into view.
Leaving the busy road behind,
visitors enter the spacious and quiet temple grounds.
🟫 PHOTO TIP
Try photographing the gate
with the blue sky above it.
After passing through,
look back at the gate
and enjoy the changing view of the temple grounds.
Five-Storied Pagoda｜五重塔
The five-storied pagoda
is the symbol of Tō-ji.
Standing approximately 55 meters tall,
it is the tallest existing wooden five-storied pagoda in Japan.
The pagoda was destroyed by fire
several times throughout its long history
and was rebuilt each time.
The present pagoda was completed in 1644
with the support of Tokugawa Iemitsu,
the third shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Inside the first story,
Buddhist figures are arranged
around the central pillar,
known as the shinbashira.
This sacred interior can normally be seen
only during limited special openings.
🟫 MINI MEMO
Although the pagoda has five exterior levels,
its interior is not divided
into five separate floors
that visitors can climb.
Kondō Hall｜国宝・金堂
Kondō Hall is the main hall of Tō-ji.
The original building was destroyed by fire,
and the present hall was completed in 1603
with the support of Toyotomi Hideyori.
Inside the hall,
Yakushi Nyorai,
the Buddha of healing,
is accompanied by Nikkō Bosatsu and Gakkō Bosatsu.
Twelve guardian figures,
known as the Twelve Divine Generals,
are arranged around the pedestal.
The large wooden building
and quiet Buddhist statues
create a solemn atmosphere.
Rather than moving quickly through the hall,
take a moment to observe
the statues and the surrounding space.
🟫 REAL INFO
Photography is not permitted
inside Kondō Hall.
Please follow the signs
and visit the hall quietly.
Kōdō Hall｜講堂
Kōdō Hall stands
near the center of the temple grounds.
Kūkai planned the hall
as an important place
for expressing the teachings of Esoteric Buddhism.
Inside,
21 Buddhist statues are arranged
around Dainichi Nyorai.
Together,
the statues express the world of a mandala
in three-dimensional form.
This arrangement is commonly known
as the three-dimensional mandala,
or “Rittai Mandala.”
Rather than viewing each statue separately,
visitors can experience the entire hall
as one sacred Buddhist world.
🟫 MINI MEMO
The statues are divided into five groups:
Buddhas,
Bodhisattvas,
Wisdom Kings,
heavenly deities,
and guardian deities.
🟫 REAL INFO
Photography is not permitted
inside Kōdō Hall.
Take time to observe
the expressions,
postures,
and arrangement of the statues.
Mieidō Hall｜国宝・御影堂
Mieidō Hall,
also known as Daishidō,
stands in the northwestern part
of the temple grounds.
The hall is said to stand
on the site where Kūkai lived
while directing the construction of Tō-ji.
A seated statue of Kōbō Daishi
is enshrined here.
Every morning,
food and tea are offered to Kūkai
during a ritual known as Shōjinku.
Mieidō is not only a valuable historic building.
It remains an important place of prayer
and one of the best places
to experience the living religious traditions of Tō-ji.
🟫 MINI MEMO
A Buddhist service honoring Kōbō Daishi
is held on the 21st of each month.
The temple grounds also become lively
with the famous Kōbō-san market.
Seasonal Scenery & Events｜季節の風景・行事
Tō-ji offers different scenery
throughout the year.
Cherry blossoms brighten the temple grounds in spring,
while lotus flowers and fresh greenery
can be enjoyed from early to midsummer.
In autumn,
the trees around the pagoda and pond
turn warm shades of red and gold.
During winter,
the dark wooden buildings
stand clearly against the quiet sky.
Limited nighttime illuminations
may be held during the cherry blossom
and autumn foliage seasons.
The illuminated pagoda,
seasonal trees,
and reflections on the pond
create a dreamlike night view.
Special exhibitions
and openings of the pagoda’s first story
may also be held during certain periods.
Dates,
admission fees,
and event details change,
so please check the official website before visiting.
🟫 PHOTO TIP
On a calm evening,
the illuminated pagoda
may be reflected clearly in the pond.
Try including both the pagoda
and its reflection
to show the height and beauty of the tower.
🟫 CAT MEMO 🐾
“The five-storied pagoda…
was smaller than I expected!”
“It fits perfectly
under my paw!”
🗺 Google Map
Tō-ji is more than
its famous five-storied pagoda.
Its quiet halls,
Buddhist statues,
and living traditions
reflect more than a thousand years
of history and prayer.
The pagoda may catch your eye first.
But the peaceful atmosphere
may stay with you even longer. 🌿
Thank you for visiting Tō-ji.
We hope this quiet temple walk
brings you a peaceful moment too. 🐾
🗺 Explore More Kyoto Areas
Kyoto is divided into several unique areas, each offering different attractions and experiences.
