Toji Temple, Kyoto

Toji Temple is one of the oldest temples in Kyoto, Japan. Its official name is Kyoogokoku-ji. It was founded by a famous Japanese monk, Kukai, in AD 796. The city of Kyoto was established around the temple, whose history is as long as Kyoto's.

It was at Toji Temple that the religious foundation of Kyoto was laid. It is here that you can still witness bygone religious rituals that are not longer performed elsewhere in Japan.

Kukai made Toji Temple the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism, which is rich in esoteric rituals heavily reliant on mandalas. Within Toji's lecture hall, called Kodo, you can see 21 statues. They form a three-dimensional mandala. At the center is Dainichi Nyorai, the cosmic Buddha. These figures are now 1,200 years old. They were each carved from single blocks of wood.

Pagoda of Toji Temple, Kyoto


Miei-do (Great Teacher's Hall), Toji Temple


In the two storey main hall, Kondo, you can see the statue of the Buddha of Healing, Yakushi Nyorai. He is flanked by his attendants, Gakko and Nikko. Kondo was erected in AD 796. This present structure dates back to 1603 and is regarded as a masterpiece of Japanese architecture.

The magnificent pagoda of Toji Temple stands at a height of 55 meters (180 feet). It is the tallest wooden structure in Japan. The pagoda was built in 1644, and has now become a symbol of Kyoto. Within the pagoda are statues of four Buddhas and their disciples.

To the northwest of Kodo is the Great Teacher's Hall, or Miei-do, also called Taishi-do. It was built in 1380. This was where Kukai lived. The Miei-do houses a Secret Buddha, Fudo Myo-o, which is only displayed on rare occasions. There is also an image of Kukai here. The Miei-do is regarded as a National Treasure of Japan.

The anniversary of Kukai's passing is commemorated on the 21st of each month with a temple fair called Kobo-san. This is held within the grounds of Toji Temple. This is when pilgrims make a trip to the Miei-do, offering money and incense. They would rub the incense ash on to any body part that is troubling them.

How to reach Toji Temple

Take the Kintetsu Line to Toji Station. You can also take bus 42 to Toji Higashimon-mae.

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