A pagoda rising up out of Kyoto city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
To-ji Temple (東寺), meaning “East Temple,” was founded at the beginning of the Heian Period, shortly after the capital was moved to Kyoto in the late 700s. The temple is home to several notable buildings, including the five-story pagoda, which serves as a symbol of the temple.
The temple’s treasury houses numerous National Treasures and cultural properties. Despite being destroyed by fire and rebuilt multiple times, the layout of the temple remains largely unchanged. Key structures, such as the Nandai-mon (main gate), the Kon-do (main hall) where priests read Buddhist scriptures, and the Jiki-do (dining hall) where meals are served, are all arranged in a straight line, just as they were when the temple was first established.
Five-Storied Pagoda
The symbol of To-ji Temple is its five-story pagoda, standing at 54.8 meters tall, making it the tallest wooden tower in Japan. Rebuilt by the third Tokugawa Shogun during the Edo period after being struck by lightning, the pagoda features earthquake-resistant construction. Its design includes a central pole with five stacked layers, all fitting together with wooden joints rather than nails, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.
photo by tui
photo by Hiroaki Kaneko@flickr
Since the high priest Kobo Daishi, the founder of To-ji, passed away on the 21st day of the month, a Buddhist memorial service (hoyo) is held here on the 21st of every month. On the same day, the popular flea market “Kobo-ichi” takes place, with a history spanning nearly 500 years. The market offers a wide range of new and second-hand goods, including clothes, tools, sculptures, kimono, antiques, pottery, toys, and food.
Address : 1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access : 5-minute walk from Toji station on the Kintetsu kyoto line. 15-minute walk from JR Kyoto station
Admission : 500 yen
Events
To-ji Temple Autumn Illumination
Kyoto’s iconic five-story pagoda at To-ji Temple is beautifully illuminated by autumn colors, just a short distance from JR Kyoto Station.
●To-ji Komeko Waffle, Matcha (東寺米粉ワッフル 抹茶)
This waffle is crafted with rice flour and a generous amount of aromatic matcha. It’s not overly sweet, offering a moist yet firm texture. Made by hand, only a limited number are available each day.
● Toji Temple (Gift shop on the temple grounds)
Hours : 8:30 to 16:30
Fare : 200 yen