Toji Temple is a Mikkyo temple of the Toji Shingon sect of Buddhism located on Kujo Street in Minami-ku in Kyoto. It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1994. Toji serves as the konpon dojo (central training center) of the Mikkyo esoteric teachings of the Shingon sect and is also the sect’s headquarters. Although the original buildings burned down after several fires, the temple’s characteristic organization of a straight line stretching from south to north of the Nandaimon Gate, Kondo (Main Hall), Kodo (Lecture Hall), and Jikido remains unchanged since the Heian period. You can thus experience the design of a Buddhist temple from the Heian period.

photo:(c)Toji Temple

Toji Temple’s five-story pagoda is famous as the symbol of not only Toji itself but also of Kyoto and is a designated national treasure. Its height of 54.8 meters makes it Japan’s tallest wooden five-story pagoda. During the fall foliage season from mid-November to early December, Toji’s characteristic pagoda scenery is awash with crimson hues and is illuminated at night. During the cherry blossom season from around March to April, “Fujizakura,” the weeping cherry tree with lush double-flowered pink blossoms, is a recommended sight. The view of the five-story pagoda alongside the beautiful blossoms serves as perfectly picturesque scenery of Kyoto. There is also an illumination of this scenery.

photo:(c)Toji Temple