Temple · Minami Ward / Kyoto Station south

To-ji 東寺 (教王護国寺)

The temple with Japan's tallest wooden pagoda, a 55 m five-storey landmark seen from the bullet train, and a 3D mandala of 21 statues in the Kodo hall that has drawn pilgrims for 1,200 years.

Hours8:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30)

ClosedOpen daily

PriceKondo and Kodo (adult): ¥800
Junior high and under: ¥300

Getting thereToji Station (Kintetsu Kyoto Line), 10 min; Kyoto Station (Hachijo exit), 15 min

Time needed1 hour

Best timeThe 21st of any month for the market; early April for the weeping cherry

Address1 Kujo-cho, Minami Ward, Kyoto

Websitetoji.or.jp/en

About

To-ji was founded in 796 as one of two state temples flanking the Rashomon gate of the new capital, and in 823 Emperor Saga gave it to Kukai (Kobo Daishi), founder of Shingon Buddhism. It is the only building complex from the original Heian-kyo plan still in use, and a World Heritage Site. The five-storey pagoda, rebuilt in 1644 on Tokugawa Iemitsu's orders, is the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan at 54.8 m and has become a symbol of the city. Inside the Kodo lecture hall Kukai arranged 21 statues as a three-dimensional mandala, with the Dainichi Nyorai at the centre and the Bodhisattvas, Wisdom Kings and guardian deities around it; 15 are originals from 839. The Kondo main hall, a massive Momoyama-era structure, houses the Yakushi triad. On the 21st of every month the grounds host Kobo-san, one of Kyoto's biggest flea markets, with antiques, kimono, ceramics and street food. Pagoda interiors open only during special viewings.

Highlights

Five-storey pagoda, 54.8 m, the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan
Kodo's 21-statue three-dimensional mandala arranged by Kukai
Kondo main hall with the Yakushi Nyorai triad
Kobo-san flea market on the 21st of each month
Pagoda reflected in Hyotan pond, especially with cherry blossom or autumn illumination

Tips

The grounds are free; the fee covers the Kondo, Kodo and pagoda garden area, and rises during special openings of the pagoda interior.
Visit on the 21st for Kobo-san, but go early: the best antiques sell by 8:00.
It is a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station Hachijo exit or 10 minutes from Toji Station on the Kintetsu Line.
The Fujizakura weeping cherry by the pagoda is one of Kyoto's great sakura shots in early April, with night illumination.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

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To-ji 東寺 (教王護国寺)

About

Highlights

Tips

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