Tō-ji (Kyōōgokoku-ji)

  • Address: 1 Kujō-chō, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture ( rough location)
  • Founder: Emperor Kanmu
  • Founded: 796

The Head Temple of all the temples of Shingon Sect. First planned as a tutelary temple of the capital by Emperor Kanmu. Later, given by Emperor Saga to Kūkai (Kōbō-daishi), the founder of the Shingon school of Buddhism of Japan, this temple flourished as the training center of the school. In the Lecture Hall of this temple, 21 statues form a three-dimensional mandala around the Dainichi Nyorai, of which 15 statues date back to the time of the original construction of this Hall and classified as national treasures. A fair called Kōbō-san is held on the 21st of each month.





The "Keigamon" Gate on the Avenue "Ōmiya-dōri"




The Five-storied Pagoda of Tōji, the landmark of Kyoto
(the tallest wooden construction in Japan of 164ft high)




"Hōzō", warehouse storing treasures in "Azekura-zukuri" style




"Kōdō", Lecture Hall




"Kondō", Golden Hall (left) and "Kōdō", Lecture Hall (right)




"Kōdō", which enshrines the celebrated "Rittai Mandara",
the three-dimensional Mandala




"Kondō", Golden Hall
(Here you will find the Triad of Buddha of Medicine and Twelve Guardian Generals)




"Nandaimon", the Grand South Gate




Fire Ritual




"Kōbōsan" - 1
A market called Kōbōsan is held in the precincts on the 21st day of each month




"Kōbōsan" - 2




"Momo-zakura", a variety of cherry tree




"Kawazu-zakura", a variety of cherry tree




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