Toji Temple

The first temple of esoteric Buddhism in Japan.
The only structural remain of the ancient city Heiankyo.

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Toji temple is the head temple of Shingon esoteric Buddhism. It was built in 796, two years after the capital city was transferred to Heiankyo. In 1994, 1,200 years after the transfer, the temple was registered as a World Heritage ("Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto"). The gods enshrined in the main hall are Yakushi-Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru: buddha able to cure all ills), Nikko-Bosatsu (Suryaprabha) and Gekko-Bosatsu (Candraprabha). Mieido is the house where Kukai, the founder of the sect (a.k.a. Kobodaishi), lived, and now there are the statue of Kukai and Acala (the God of Fire) are placed. The five-storied pagoda that can be seen from the passing Shinkansen is a landmark tower of the city of Buddhism, Kyoto. The height is 55m (180 ft.), the tallest wooden tower in Japan. Those are the three must-sees in the precinct. All of them are National Treasures. At the Homotsukan Museum that is open in springs and falls, a number of cultural properties are displayed. Also special exhibitions are held on an irregular basis, and you can observe the National Treasures and temple's treasures by your own eyes.

Address

1 Kujocho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

Access from major landmarks

Kyoto Station - Toji
・Approx. 15 minutes walk from Kyoto Station

Attractions near Toji Temple

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