Located in Minami-ku, Kyoto City, Toji Temple is a government temple built to protect the nation when the capital was moved to Heian-kyo. In 823, Emperor Saga bestowed it on Kobo Daishi Kukai, and it developed as the main training center for Shingon esoteric Buddhism. The five-story pagoda that stands in the center of the temple grounds is the oldest wooden pagoda in Japan, standing at about 54.8 meters tall, and is a popular landmark of Kyoto. The national treasures of the Golden Hall and the lecture hall house a group of Buddha statues that make up a three-dimensional mandala, allowing you to experience the world of esoteric Buddhism.

Many of the buildings were rebuilt during the Edo period.

Toji Temple is registered as part of the World Heritage Site "Cultural Assets of Ancient Kyoto," and many national treasures and important cultural properties have been preserved. On the 21st of every month, the "Kobo Market," a festival day for Kobo Daishi, is held, and many stalls are lined up, making it a very lively place. In spring, the weeping cherry tree "Fujizakura" is lit up along with the five-story pagoda, creating a fantastic nighttime view of the cherry blossoms. In autumn, the leaves are beautiful, and the changing seasons are a great attraction.

Trivia: Toji Temple is the only relic from the founding of Heian-kyo that remains in the city. The five-story pagoda has burned down many times, but has been rebuilt each time, and the current one is the fifth, rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu during the Edo period. The "Kobo Market," held on the 21st of every month in the temple grounds, features a wide variety of stalls selling antiques, clothing, food, and more, and is very popular with locals and tourists alike.

Hidden gem: The "Dining Hall" between the five-story pagoda and the main hall is relatively quiet, and you can take your time to admire the Buddha statues enshrined inside. Kanchi-in, located on the east side of the temple grounds, is one of Toji Temple's sub-temples, and is a hidden gem where you can see the "Eagle Picture," associated with Miyamoto Musashi (an additional admission fee may be required).