Tō-ji, Buddhist temple in Minami-ku, Kyoto, Japan.
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.
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