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Toji (Toji Temple)
京都市南区九条町１
Toji is the head temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, located in Minami Ward, Kyoto City. Its formal name is Kongo Gokokuji (Temple of the King of Doctrine Protecting the Nation). Established in 796 CE (Enryaku 15) as an official temple to protect the state, it was built east of the Rijo Gate following the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo (Kyoto). It is known as the only surviving structure from the original Heian-kyo layout. In 823 CE (Kakin 14), Emperor Saga granted the temple to Kobo Daishi (Kukai), transforming it into Japan's first full-scale esoteric Buddhist temple. Kukai placed the Vairocana Buddha at the center of the grounds and expressed a three-dimensional mandala across the vast temple area. The principal image is the Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) enshrined in the Kondo (Golden Hall), while the Kodo (Lecture Hall) houses a surviving three-dimensional mandala composed of 21 statues designed by Kukai. The five-story pagoda, standing approximately 55 meters tall, is a National Treasure and the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan. The temple was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 as part of the 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto'.
History
Originally built as an official temple to protect the Heian capital, it was later granted to Kukai (Kobo Daishi) and became the fundamental training center for Shingon esoteric Buddhism. Its five-story pagoda, approximately 55 meters high, is the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan and is a World Heritage Site.
Blessings
The temple is revered for its blessings of health and the fulfillment of wishes.
What visitors say
The vast grounds feature many highlights, including the tallest five-story pagoda in Japan, the Kodo (Lecture Hall) famous for its three-dimensional mandala, and the imposing Kondo (Golden Hall), allowing visitors to explore at a leisurely pace. Seasonal special openings and nighttime illuminations offer the chance to enjoy the fantastical scenery created by cherry blossoms and the five-story pagoda. Various events are also held, such as the Garakuta Market (a flea market) on the first Sunday of every month.
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday: 8:00 – 17:00
- Wednesday: 8:00 – 17:00
- Thursday: 8:00 – 17:00
- Friday: 8:00 – 17:00
- Saturday: 8:00 – 17:00
- Sunday: 8:00 – 17:00
Annual events & festivals
- January 1 onwardHatsumode (first shrine visit of the year)
New Year's visit to a World Heritage site famous for Japan's tallest five-story pagoda.
A World Heritage site associated with Koubou Daishi Kukai. The area is bustling with New Year visitors beneath Japan's tallest wooden five-story pagoda, which stands approximately 55 meters tall.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Japan's tallest five-story pagoda
- ・World Heritage site
- ・New Year's prayers
- January 8-14Gonijitsu Gohou (Rite of the Seventh Day After)
The most important esoteric rite in Shingon Buddhism, praying for national peace and stability.
From January 8 to 14, the most important esoteric rite of the Shingon sect is performed at the Kanto-in hall of Toji. This rite, a tradition continuing since the time of Kukai and associated with the imperial court, prays for national peace and a bountiful harvest.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Most important esoteric rite in Shingon Buddhism
- ・Prayers for national peace and stability
- ・Tradition dating back to Kukai
- 21st of every monthKoubou-ichi (Koubou Market, including Hatsukoubou and Owari Koubou)
The 'Koubou-san' market held on the lucky day of Koubou Daishi, featuring over a thousand stalls.
Held on the 21st of every month in commemoration of the Goei Ku (memorial rite) for Koubou Daishi, this market features over a thousand stalls selling antiques, vintage clothing, and plants. The 'Hatsukoubou' in January and the 'Owari Koubou' in December are particularly lively.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Lucky day market on the 21st of every month
- ・Over a thousand stalls
- ・Hatsukoubou (First Koubou) and Owari Koubou (Final Koubou)
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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