A pagoda rising up out of Kyoto city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
To-ji Temple (東寺), literally “East Temple”, was founded at the beginning of the Heian Period just after the capital was moved to Kyoto in the late 700s. The temple has many buildings, including the five-storied pagoda, a symbol of this temple. The treasury contains many National Treasures and cultural properties. Although the temple has been destroyed by fire and restored many times, the layout of this temple, including the Nandai-mon (gate) at the entranceway, the Kon-do in which the priests read the Buddhist scriptures, and the Jiki-do where they have their meals are arranged in a straight line, just as they were at the time that the temple was first established.
Five-Storied Pagoda
The symbol of To-ji Temple is the five-story pagoda which is 54.8-meter tall and the tallest wooden tower in Japan. The pagoda was rebuilt by the third Tokugawa Shogun in the Edo period after being burned down by lightning strike. The pagoda’s construction with earthquake resistance is consisting of a center pole with the five layers stacked on top of it and fitted together with wooden joints instead of nails.
photo by tui
photo by Hiroaki Kaneko@flickr
Since the high priest Kobo Daishi ( the founder of To-ji) died on the 21st day of the month, a Buddhist memorial service for the dead (called a “hoyo”) is performed here on the 21st of every month. A popular flea market “Kobo-ichi” is held on the same day that has a history of almost 500 years. A wide variety of new and second hand goods are on sale, including clothes, tools, sculptures, kimono, antiques, pottery, toys, 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 landmark, The five story pagoda at To-ji Temple is lit up with autumn colors. Easy access from JR Kyoto station.
●To-ji Komeko Waffle, Matcha (東寺米粉ワッフル 抹茶)
This waffle is made using rice flour and a generous amount of aromatic matcha. It’s not too sweet and has a moist and firm texture. There is only a limited number available each day because they are made by hand.
●Toji Temple (Gift shop on the temple grounds)
Hours : 8:30 to 16:30
Fare : 200 yen