Toji Temple, officially known as Kyoo Gokokuji Temple, is one of the East and West official temples built in 794 after the capital was relocated to Heian-kyo. It is located to the east and west of Rajomon, the main gate of the capital.
It was later designated by Kukai as the fundamental center of Shingon esoteric Buddhism, a role it still plays today. To-ji Temple has maintained its original layout of temple buildings and holds many temple treasures.
The 55-meter tall five-story pagoda (National Treasure), which soars above the buildings in front of Kyoto Station, was rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu and is known as the tallest pagoda in Japan. The lecture hall (Important Cultural Property) contains one of the oldest existing groups of esoteric Buddhist sculptures in Japan.
The Kondo (National Treasure), Daishido (National Treasure), and Renkamon (National Treasure) are also among the many highlights of the temple. The precincts of the temple are designated as a national historic site. Toji Temple is registered as a World Heritage Site as “Cultural Assets of Ancient Kyoto.
In spring and fall, the precincts of the temple are illuminated, allowing visitors to view the autumn leaves and the five-story pagoda.
Summer: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Winter: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Open all year round
Charged
By car
Approximately 3.5 km north on Route 1 from the Kyoto Minami IC
From the nearest station
From JR Kyoto Station (Hachijo Exit): 1.1 km, 15 min. walk
By Kintetsu Railway: 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Toji Station (0.6 km)
By Keihan: Transfer at Tambabashi Station to Kintetsu Tambabashi Station and get off at Kintetsu Toji Station. 10 minutes walk from Kintetsu Toji Station.
From Omiya Station, take city bus No. 18, No. 71, or No. 207, and get off at Toji-Higashimon-mae bus stop. 1 minute walk from the bus stop.
By city bus
The nearest bus stops are “Toji Higashimon-mae”, “Toji Minamimon-mae”, “Kujo Omiya”, and “Toji Nishimon-mae”.
Once you get off the bus, the precincts of the temple are right in front of you.