For those of you who have been to Kyoto on a school trip or graduation trip, have you ever seen a large tower that can be seen from a train, such as the Shinkansen? When you think of a tower, some may think of Kyoto Tower, but what I want you to remember is the five-story pagoda. The large five-story pagoda that comes into view just before arriving at Kyoto Station, with its appearance and impact, will make you feel that you have arrived in Kyoto. The five-story pagoda, a familiar landmark that marks your arrival in Kyoto, is located at a temple called Toji Temple, located just outside Kyoto Station. In this article, we will introduce the highlights of Toji Temple and recommended information for sightseeing in kimono.

 

What is Toji Temple?

This grand Shingon Buddhist temple stands in Kujo, Minami Ward, and is known as the head temple of the Toji Shingon sect. Its official name is Kyoogokokuji Temple. It was founded in 796, two years after the capital was moved to Heian, and was later constructed by Kobo Daishi Kukai. Highlights include the five-story pagoda and the three-dimensional mandala in the lecture hall that Kukai created to make the teachings of esoteric Buddhism easier to understand. A "Workshop Market" is held on the 21st of every month, and is crowded with many people. Toji Temple has also been designated a World Heritage Site.

 

●Why is there Toji Temple but no Saiji Temple?

When deciding on a tourist destination, I often look at tourist maps, but have you ever wondered why Toji Temple is there but Saiji Temple is not? In fact, Saiji Temple also existed in the Heian period.

He built To-ji Temple and Sai-ji Temple to protect the capital, entrusting their construction to Kukai for To-ji Temple and Shunbin Sozu for Sai-ji Temple. The two were said to have been rivals, and in 824, during a drought, they competed over a rainmaking ceremony, with Kukai winning, and so Kukai is considered inferior to Kukai in many ways. On the other hand, Kukai founded Esoteric Shingon Buddhism, promoted civil engineering, irrigation and land reclamation projects across the country, and helped the people, making him popular as a hero who could do anything, including scholarship and calligraphy.

During the Heian period, temples were often burned down by lightning strikes and other disasters. However, in order to develop Toji Temple, Kukai used his popularity to ask for assistance from successive emperors, aristocrats, samurai, and court nobles. Almost none refused, and he was generous in providing assistance. In contrast, Sozu Moritoshi relied on the country, which was struggling financially, to manage the temples. Saiji Temple was burned down once by lightning and was rebuilt, but after that, it became difficult to raise the money for repairs, and the temple was abandoned. As a result, Saiji Temple does not exist, and Toji Temple remains to this day.

 

Highlights of Toji Temple

・Five-story pagoda

It is 55 meters tall and is the tallest of all the five-story pagodas in Kyoto. It has been burned down many times since its construction, but thanks to the efforts of Kukai and his subsequent devotion, it has survived to this day.

 

・Auditorium and 3D Mandala

It was originally built as a place to hold lectures. The current building was rebuilt in 1491. You can see the magnificent 3D mandala by Kobo Daishi here. A 3D mandala is a 3D representation of a mandala, which is usually drawn on a flat surface, using Buddhist statues. There are a total of 21 statues in the lecture hall, including 5 Tathagata statues, 5 Bodhisattva statues, 5 Myo-o statues, 2 Heavenly beings, and 4 Four Heavenly Kings, making it a must-see for Buddhist statue and art lovers.

・Standing statue of Jikokuten

As it is located at the very front of the auditorium, the first thing you will see is Jikokuten, one of the Four Heavenly Kings and the guardian deity of the east. With his powerful physique and the little demon at his feet, you may be overwhelmed by his spirited appearance.

・Seated statue of Dainichi Nyorai

This statue, wearing glittering ornaments, sits in the center of the auditorium where 21 Buddha statues are lined up. It is considered the highest deity in esoteric Buddhism, representing the universe itself. It is decorated in gold, giving it a special feel.

・Half-seated statue of Taishakuten

This statue is the leader of the guardians of the Buddha statues in the lecture hall, astride a white statue and keeping a watchful eye for enemy intrusions. With its beautiful features, it is highly regarded as the most handsome Buddha statue in Japan.

 

How to get to Toji Temple and recommended methods

Toji Temple is about a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station. It's not impossible to walk there, but there is actually a recommended way to get there. Do you know VASARA Kyoto Station Kimono Rental Store inside Kyoto Station? If you rent a kimono here, you can get a drop-off service as a service. This service runs once an hour, and can take 1 to 6 people to tourist spots on the destination route for free. It's perfect for those who feel it's a bit too far to walk. What's more, sightseeing in a kimono will look great in photos, so it will be a memorable experience.

 

For more information about VASARA kimono rental, please click here

https://vasara-h.co.jp/shop/detail.html?id=20

 

Summary

What did you think? Toji Temple is a famous temple and symbol of Kyoto. The places we introduced are definitely worth visiting, so we hope you will enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto wearing a kimono from VASARA Kimono Rental.