| To-ji
was founded in 794 when emperor Kanmu moved the capital from Nara to Kyoto,
and was thus one of the earliest Buddhist temple. Toji literally means
"East Temple", notwithstanding its location in the South-West
corner of Kyoto. There once was a Sai-ji (¼Ž›) or "West Temple",
and both temples stood alongside the Rasho-mon Gate (—…¶–å), Kyoto's biggest
and most famous gate during the Heian period (794-1185). In 818, the emperor
Saga confided the temple to the Buddhist priest Kukai (774-835, also known
as Kobo Daishi), founder of the esoteric Shingon sect. To-ji's formal
name, Kyo-o Gokoku-ji, means "protector of the nation". Its
five-tiered pagoda is 57m tall, making it the highest wooden tower in
Japan. It was last built in 1643 after having burned five times. Toji
is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1994. Kobo-san market
is held on the temple's premises on the 21st of each month.
How to get there
To-ji stands about 500m south-west of Kyoto Station. There are two entrances,
one on Omiya-dori, the other on Kujo-dori. Coming from Omiya north of
Kyoto station, it is preferable to take a bus, as the bridge crossing
the railway does not have a pedestrian area.
Entry to the temple's ground is free, but visitors should pay 500 to
approach the Main Hall (Kondo) and pagoda.
The templs is open everyday from 9am to 4:30pm.
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