Kyoto · Kyoto Station
To-ji Temple
To-ji was founded in 796 as a state temple, one of two temples on either side of the Rashomon gate, the south gate of the Heian capital. In 823 it was given to the monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi), who made it the center of esoteric Buddhism in Japan. The lecture hall, the Kodo, which Kukai began building that same year, was completed in 839.
The five-story pagoda is about 55 meters high, and according to the temple it is the tallest wooden structure in Japan. It burned down four times, partly from lightning, and the current one, from 1644, is the fifth. Inside are kept relics of the Buddha that Kukai brought from China, and the ground floor, painted all over, opens only during special periods.
In the Kodo, rebuilt in 1491, 21 statues stand around Dainichi Nyorai, the cosmic Buddha, a three-dimensional mandala that Kukai himself designed. The Kondo, the main hall, was rebuilt in 1603 and is a National Treasure. The Miei-do, Kukai's residence, is open for free from 06:00, and every morning at six a ceremony is held there, at the end of which relics of the Buddha are placed on the heads and hands of the participants.
Good to know
- Autumn 2026: from 20 September to 30 October the treasure hall is open, ¥600 (combined ¥1,500). From 31 October to 25 November the ground floor of the pagoda also opens: pagoda, Kondo and Kodo ¥1,200, and a combined ticket for all the halls ¥2,000. From 26 November to 13 December the pagoda is still open.
- Autumn leaves illumination and night entry to the Kondo and Kodo: 31 October to 13 December 2026, ¥1,000.
- The Kobo-ichi market is held on the 21st of every month, 07:00-15:30, rain or shine, with more than a thousand stalls of antiques and secondhand goods. On that day the temple parking lot is closed.
- From Kyoto Station it is about a 15 minute walk from the Hachijo (south) exit, about 1.1 km.
What is nearby
Approximate walking minutes from the entrance of To-ji Temple.
- HereTo-ji Temple
- ~6 min
Kissa Cizool Cafe
A cafe with 10 seats near Toji Station: siphon coffee, wine chosen by a sommelier, and dishes like omelet, spaghetti Napolitan and sandwiches. Cash only.
- ~7 min
Rajomon Site More to see
The main gate of the Heian capital, 33 meters wide, built in 794 at the south end of the central avenue. Today all that remains is a memorial stone from 1895 and a sign in a small playground. This is the gate the stories and the film 'Rashomon' are named after.
- ~10 min
Mr. Gyoza Food
A neighborhood gyoza restaurant with 20 seats, on Tabelog's list of the 100 gyoza restaurants in 2019, 2021 and 2024. No reservations, cash only, and there is also ramen and fried chicken.
- ~10 min
AEON MALL KYOTO Shopping
A mall on the south side of the station, with a supermarket on the ground floor that is open 09:00-22:00. Useful for a rainy day and for last shopping before the flight.
- ~11 min
Manten Kyodai Food
Iekei-style ramen, on a thick pork broth, ¥900 for the basic bowl. Open on weekdays only.
More in Kyoto Station
Appears in: Kids' day in Kyoto: the Railway Museum, the Aquarium, To-ji and Kyoto Tower