Tō-ji

Tō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Minami-ku, southern Kyōto, with several wooden buildings and a five-story pagoda rising above the compound. The grounds spread across open courtyards with paved paths connecting halls featuring curved roofs and large gate structures.

Emperor Kanmu founded the temple in 796 as one of three permitted Buddhist sites in the new capital. Kōbō Daishi took control about 30 years later and transformed it into the center of the Shingon school of Buddhism.

The temple's name means "eastern temple" and originally paired with Sai-ji to mark the city gates. Today visitors see monks practicing rituals in the main halls while local believers light incense and pray before the altar.

The compound opens daily in the morning and closes in late afternoon with admission required for main areas. The pagoda opens only during certain seasons while most outdoor spaces remain freely accessible.

The pagoda burned down multiple times and the current structure dates to 1644 after the last reconstruction. Visitors see elaborate mandalas and sculptures inside during rare openings that normally remain hidden from view.

Location: Minami-ku

Inception: 796

Founders: Emperor Kanmu, Fujiwara no Isendo

Accessibility: Acesso limitado para cadeira de rodas

Fee: Yes

Part of: Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, Shingon sect eighteen Motoyama, 西國愛染十七靈場, 洛陽三十三所觀音靈場, Thirteen Buddhist Sites of Kyoto, Miyako Shichifukujin, Shinbutsu Reijō Junpai no Michi, 12 sites sacrés Yakushi de Kyoto

Address: 京都府京都市南区九条町1

Opening Hours: Segunda-feira-Domingo 05:00-17:00

Phone: +81756913325

Website: https://toji.or.jp/kr

GPS coordinates: 34.98056,135.74778

Latest update: December 14, 2025 21:13