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Toji Temple

The five-storied pagoda seen from the Tokaido Shinkansen (Bullet Train) is Kyoto’s symbol.

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This temple was built in 794 along with Sai-ji Temple two years after the capital city was moved to Heiankyo. Although Sai-ji turned into a ruin by the end of Heian Period, Toji kept being rebuilt after each fire damage. The Kondo (Golden) Hall built by Toyotomi Hideyori and the five-storied pagoda gifted by Tokugawa Iemitsu still remain to this day, designated as national treasures.

The area with the Golden Hall and the Kodo Hall charges an admission. The Kodo Hall near the entrance was rebuilt in Muromachi Period and hosts 21 Buddha statues created during Heian and Edo Periods in the likeness of Mandara paintings. They are now national treasures or important cultural properties. Behind the assembly hall, there is the Golden Hall, the highlight of Momoyama-Period architecture. Statues in there, such as Yakushi Nyorai are thought to have been made about the same time as the building.

Behind the Hyotan Pond, the five-storied pagoda stands 55m-tall, actually the tallest in Japan as a wooden tower. The treasure hall is opened in spring and fall each year, showing a huge statue of multiarmed Kannon Bosatsu or Jizo Bosatsu which was said to be held in Sai-ji Temple, etc. Right after you exit the big north gate, there is Kanchi-in Temple opened by Goho, a renowned priest during the Northern and Southern Courts Period.

Highlights

  • Kodo Hall hosts many Buddha statues which look like a 3-D Mandara painting.
  • Looking up at Japan’s tallest five-storied pagoda from Hyotan Pond is a great spot for photos.
  • Kobo-ichi Fair is held on Reverend Kukai’s death date, the 21st of each month.
  • The treasure hall has a different display theme each time it opens in spring and fall.
  • The paper doors in Kanchi-in Temple are said to have paintings done by Miyamoto Musashi.

Photos

  • During cherry blossom and fall color seasons, lights are lit and the Golden and Kondo Halls are open for public view at night

    During cherry blossom and fall color seasons, lights are lit and the Golden and Kondo Halls are open for public view at night

  • Five-storied pagoda seen from Hyotan Pond

    Five-storied pagoda seen from Hyotan Pond

  • The Golden Hall, restored by Toyotomi Hideyori, is a prominent Momoyama-Period architecture

    The Golden Hall, restored by Toyotomi Hideyori, is a prominent Momoyama-Period architecture

  • Toji’s sub-temple, Kanchi-in, has a reception hall designated as a national treasure

    Toji’s sub-temple, Kanchi-in, has a reception hall designated as a national treasure

  • Booths at Kobo-ichi Fair held on the 21st of every month

    Booths at Kobo-ichi Fair held on the 21st of every month

Reviews

2
  • 柯銘傑

    每月21日固定做法會時都會有市集,吃的穿的用的都有很有趣,從京都車站走過來也才十多分鐘。

  • Ken 蘇

    京都那麼多的寺廟當中,東寺內國寶文物非常多,每年還會兩次展出給人參觀。

Details

Name in Japanese
東寺(教王護国寺)
Postal Code
601-8473
Address
1 Kujocho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Telephone
075-691-3325
Closed
Open every day (The treasure hall is open only during March 20 - May 25 and September 20 - November 25)
Hours
Golden Hall / Kodo Hall: 8am - 5pm (The last entry 4:30pm)
The treasure hall / Kanchi-in: 9am - 5pm (The last entry 4:30pm)
Admission
Adult 800 yen, Middle schooler and younger 500 yen (the ticket is for Golden hall, Kodo Hall and Kanchi-in Temple)
During special events and evening light-up, the admission differs. Check the website.
Directions
1) From Kintesu Toji Station, walk 10 min.
2) From JR Kyoto Station, Hachijo Exit, walk a short distance.
3) From JR Kyoto Station, Hachijo Exit, ride the city bus, Route 16 for 5 min. or Routes 19 / 71 for 10 min., get off at Toji Higashimon Mae Stop, and walk a short distance.
4) From Hankyu Omiya Station, ride the city bus, Route 17, 71 or 207 for 15 min., get off at Toji Higashimon Mae Stop, and walk a short distance.
5) From Keihan Gion-Shijo Station, ride the city bus, Route 207 for 20 min., get off at Toji Higashimon Mae Stop, and walk a short distance.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)