Toji Temple in Kyoto: Highlights and Personal Photos with Insights into the Iconic Five-Storied Pagoda and Its Historical Significance

2023-12-142024-09-19

Toji Temple is the only temple in Kyoto that has remained since the Heian period, spanning approximately 1,200 years. It is especially famous for its five-storied pagoda, which is considered a symbol of Kyoto. Toji Temple, where you can experience Japanese history and culture, attracts many visitors from both Japan and abroad.

This article will share the highlights of Toji Temple, along with some personal photographs.

Getting to Toji Temple from Kyoto Station

The most convenient way to reach Toji Temple from Kyoto Station is by train. You can walk to Toji Temple from Kyoto Station, but it takes about 15 minutes, so I got a bit tired. On the way back, I took the train, and it was much easier.

STEP

Take the Kintetsu Kyoto Line at Kintetsu Kyoto Station.

The Kintetsu Kyoto Station is located on the second floor of Kyoto Station Building.

The photo above shows the entrance to the Kintetsu Kyoto Station.

Kyoto Station is the first stop, but the express trains do not stop at Toji Station, so you will need to take a local train.

STEP

Disembark at Toji Station.

Toji Station is the first station from Kyoto Station, a brief 2-minute journey.

STEP

From Toji Station, walk about 450m, which takes about 6 minutes.

At the south entrance, there is a large gate called the Nandaimon. This gate is about 18 meters wide and 13 meters tall and was moved here in 1895 from the west gate of Sanjusangendo. It is also designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

After passing through the Nandaimon Gate, you will find the ticket office for the paid area where you can see the five-storied pagoda and other sights.

Highlights of Toji Temple

Immediately after entering the paid area, there is a building called Kodo Hall. Inside the hall, you can see 21 Buddha statues of various sizes lined up. Sixteen of these statues are designated as national treasures.

Next to Kodo Hall is the Kondo Hall, which serves as the main hall of Toji Temple. The Kondo Hall was the first building constructed when Toji Temple was built in 796. Although it was destroyed by fire along with Kodo Hall and the South Gate in 1486, it was rebuilt in 1603. It is a representative building from around the 17th century and is also designated as a national treasure.

Unfortunately, photography was not allowed, but you can view the inside of the building, where a statue of the Medicine Buddha is enshrined. The Medicine Buddha is a deity believed to heal diseases and protect physical and mental health. While the number of Buddha statues in Kondo Hall is fewer than in Kodo Hall, the sheer size of the Medicine Buddha statue is overwhelming! I was truly impressed by its grand presence.

At the far end of the paid area, you will find the iconic five-storied pagoda, which is also a national treasure. The pagoda has been destroyed by lightning and other disasters four times, but it has been restored each time. The current five-storied pagoda, which we see today, is the fifth generation, rebuilt in 1644. With a total height of approximately 55 meters, it is the tallest wooden structure in Japan, and its imposing presence was truly impressive.

What is secretly famous here are the demon statues placed at the four corners under the first-story roof. These demons with unique expressions support the pagoda from each corner.

The five-storied pagoda offers different views depending on where you observe it from, allowing you to enjoy various perspectives.

Outside the paid area, there is a magnificent willow tree. There is an anecdote about this willow and a master calligrapher from the 10th century. It is said that a man named Michikaze Ono, who was depressed over his lack of calligraphy skills, was encouraged under this willow when he saw a frog repeatedly trying to grab onto the willow leaf and eventually succeeding. Inspired by the frog’s persistence, he decided that if he kept trying and didn’t give up, a path would open for him. He went on to become a master calligrapher.