Considered one of Kyoto’s oldest temples, East Temple stands as a testament to time. It bridges Japan’s past and present. East Temple’s story begins in 796. Emperor Kanmu sought to protect the new capital. He established East Temple along with Sai-ji. These temples guarded the Rashomon Gate. They were meant to ward off malign influences.
East Temple was initially called Kyo-o-gokoku-ji. This means “The Temple for the Defense of the Nation”. East Temple is the only one of the original three temples still standing.
In 823, Emperor Saga appointed Kukai as abbot. Kukai founded Shingon Buddhism. He was an experienced leader. Kukai ensured East Temple’s exclusive use for the Shingon School. Kukai’s influence grew. He oversaw East Temple. He also worked on imperial commissions. He spread Shingon Buddhism.
After Kukai’s death, East Temple was completed. However, it gradually declined. The rise in popularity of Kobo Daishi revived it. This happened during the Kamakura period. This movement renewed interest in East Temple. It regained its prestige.
A large fire damaged East Temple in 1486. Many original wooden structures were lost. Reconstructions were completed in the Edo period. East Temple became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. It serves as a Shingon Buddhist center. It is also a popular tourist site.
When arriving in Kyoto by bullet train, look for East Temple’s pagoda. It rises near the station. The five-story pagoda is East Temple’s most famous feature. It stands 54.8 meters tall. It is Japan’s tallest wooden tower. Tokugawa Shogun rebuilt it after a lightning strike. The pagoda has a central pole with five layers. Wooden joints connect these layers. This unique construction makes it earthquake-resistant.
East Temple is famous for its Buddhist statues. The Kondo Main Hall houses Yakushi Nyorai. This is the Medicine Buddha. Nikko Bosatsu and Gakko Bosatsu flank him. Behind the Kondo is the Kodo Lecture Hall. It houses 21 statues. These include Tathagata, Bodhisattva, and Wisdom Kings.
Don’t miss the Kobo-san Market. It is held on the 21st of every month. It honors Kobo Daishi. Locals call it Kobo-san. You can find rare antiques and Buddhist tools here. There are also household goods and clothing. Food stalls keep you energized. The market is active from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
East Temple’s gardens are most pleasant during cherry blossom season. Fall leaf viewing is also beautiful. The Miei-do hall hosts memorials for Kobo Daishi. A statue of him stands on the grounds.
East Temple faced initial bans due to imperial concerns. The emperor wanted to avoid growing temple influence. But the temple survived. It stands as an important symbol of Kyoto’s history. Its architecture suffered from earthquakes and fires. Yet, East Temple managed to remain. Today, it serves as a testament to resilience. East Temple connects visitors to Japan’s spiritual heritage. It is a journey through time and faith.