To-ji Temple
4.5
(19.3k)To-ji Temple is a historic Shingon Buddhist temple in Kyoto, founded in 796, making it one of the oldest in the city. It's known for its five-story wooden pagoda and houses treasures and documents from the early Heian period. The temple grounds are spacious, offering a calm atmosphere for visitors to explore.
Address
1 Kujōchō, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8473, Japan
Website
Opening Hours
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Thu)
Phone
+81 75-691-3325
Worth it?
Worth it if you want to experience a significant historical site with a serene ambiance
Skip if you're looking for a bustling, high-energy attraction
Location
1 Kujōchō, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8473, Japan
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Highlights
The five-story pagoda is a prominent focal point, visible from a distance, and is especially mesmerizing when illuminated at night during special events.
Inside the main buildings, you can see massive, tree-sized Buddha statues, which reviewers describe as stunning.
The temple grounds feature a well-maintained Japanese garden and pond with turtles and koi.
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Who it's for
This temple is ideal for anyone interested in Japanese history and architecture, especially those who appreciate a peaceful setting. It's also great for photographers, particularly during cherry blossom and autumn seasons.
Know before you go
On the 21st of each month, a famous flea market, known as Kōbō-san, is held on the temple grounds, featuring antiques, art, clothes, and food.
Entrance into the pagoda itself is only permitted on special occasions, though the interior can usually be seen from the outside.
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Reviews
4.5
Exceptional
5 ReviewsVisitors are consistently impressed by the temple's famous five-story pagoda and the stunning views it offers, especially during cherry blossom and autumn. They highlight the spacious grounds, well-maintained gardens, and the calm, peaceful atmosphere, even when busy. Many also enjoy the illuminated gardens and pagoda during special events.
Fun facts
To-ji Temple was one of only three Buddhist temples allowed in Kyoto when it became the capital in 796, and it is the only one of the three to survive to the present day.
The current five-story pagoda dates from 1643, rebuilt by order of the third Tokugawa Shōgun, Iemitsu, and is the tallest wooden tower in Japan at 54.8 meters (180 feet).
The temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
