Behold the towering five-story pagoda. It is a symbol of Kyoto and a highlight of To-ji Temple. Formally known as Kyo-o-gokoku-ji Temple, To-ji was founded in 796. Emperor Kanmu ordered its construction. It became one of only three Buddhist temples allowed in the capital.
To-ji Temple stands as a relic of the Heian-kyo capital. It is a World Heritage site. The temple was given to Kobo Daishi Kukai. He had studied esoteric Buddhism in Tang China. Kukai made it the first Shingon esoteric Buddhist temple in Japan.
Let’s delve into the history of To-ji. In 794, Emperor Kanmu moved the capital to Heian-kyo. Two years later, To-ji Temple was erected as an official temple. It served as a national shrine. Located east of the Rajomon Gate, To-ji was paired with Sai-ji Temple.
Emperor Saga bestowed To-ji upon Kobo Daishi Kukai. Kukai built a lecture hall and the iconic five-story pagoda. This established the temple complex we see today. To-ji became the head temple of Shingon esoteric Buddhism.
However, To-ji declined at the end of the Heian period along with the capital. In 1233, a statue of Kobo Daishi Kukai was erected. Kosho was the Buddhist priest and son of Unkei. A memorial service was held in the Mikageido in 1240. This marked the origin of Kobo Market.
During the Muromachi period the temple was spared damage during the Onin War. But in 1486, the Kondo, lecture hall, and Nandaimon gate were destroyed by fire. Five years later, the auditorium was rebuilt.
During the Momoyama period, the Kondo hall and the statue of Yakushi Sanzon were rebuilt. The Nandaimon gate was also restored. This finally restored the temple’s original appearance. The five-story pagoda was rebuilt in the Edo period after being destroyed by lightning.
Registered as a World Heritage Site in 1994, To-ji stands as a testament to Kyoto’s rich history. The five-story pagoda is the tallest wooden structure in Japan at 55 meters. It was rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1644.
Inside the pagoda’s first floor are Buddhist statues and murals. They express esoteric Buddhist teachings. Typically closed, it opens during New Year’s and special spring and fall events.
The auditorium features a three-dimensional mandala with 21 Buddhist statues. Kukai conceived this to realistically convey esoteric Buddhist teachings. Dainichi Nyorai sits at the mandala’s center.
In the Kondo, you will find the Yakushi Sanzon statues. Toyotomi Hideyori rebuilt the hall in 1603 after a fire. The Yakushi Nyorai protects people from illnesses. Nikko Bosatsu and Gakko Bosatsu are enshrined on each side.
To-ji’s attractions extend beyond its buildings and statues. The Kobo Market is held on the 21st of each month. Nearly 1000 stalls line the grounds. Here antiques and miscellaneous goods are sold.
The temple grounds are illuminated during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. The nighttime views are fantastic. Don’t miss the illuminated five-story pagoda.
To-ji offers special New Year’s viewings. Special spring and fall viewings are also scheduled. During these times, the Treasure House opens to the public. It displays Buddhist statues, paintings, and calligraphy.
As you leave To-ji remember its long history. From its founding to its modern-day recognition, To-ji remains a significant cultural landmark in Kyoto. Its enduring beauty and spiritual significance continue to inspire all who visit.