東寺
Kyoto (Minami Ward), Kyoto
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To-ji
To-ji Temple is the head temple of the To-ji Shingon Sect located in Kujo-machi, Minami-ku, Kyoto City. Its sango (literally, "mountain name") is Mt. Hachiman, and its principal image is Yakushi Nyorai. It is the fundamental dojo of the Shingon Sect, and is also called Kyogokoku-ji Temple (for the name, see the section on "Jigo"). The temple crest is a cloud-shaped crest (Toji Cloud). The dining hall (principal image, Eleven-faced Kannon) is the 23rd temple of the Rakuyo Sanjusanjo Kannon Pilgrimage. After the temple began to be built as a government temple of the Imperial Court to protect Heian-kyo, it was given to Kukai (Kobo Daishi) by Emperor Saga and prospered as the fundamental dojo of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. For this reason, many cultural properties remain, including national treasures and important cultural properties. Until the Meiji Restoration, the four To-ji choja who were the directors of To-ji Temple were the highest ranks in the Shingon Sect, and among them, To-ji Kazuchoja, who was the head of the choja, also served as the head of the Buddhist community in the Ritsuryo system, Homu.
Source: Wikipedia「東寺」 · CC BY-SA 4.0
History & Culture
Guardian of the Heian Capital
Founded in 796 as one of the official temples guarding the new Heian capital, To-ji was granted to the monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) in 823 and became a great centre of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism.
Japan's Tallest Wooden Tower
Its five-story pagoda, about 55 metres high, is the tallest wooden tower in Japan and a symbol of Kyoto. To-ji was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1994.
Kujocho, Minami-ku, Kyoto
Grounds 5:00–17:00; halls 8:00–17:00
Grounds free; halls ¥500 (more during special openings)
Hours and fees are a guide and may change — please check official information before your visit.
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