🏠 Six-day trip to Kansai: Kyoto's Toji Temple

#JulyDestinations2025
🌸 Kyoto's Toji Temple: A Millennium Treasure Hidden in Time 🌸

📍 #KyotoToji Temple (Kyoogokokuji Temple)
If Kyoto is a collection of ancient poems, then Toji Temple is its most stunning chapter. As one of Kyoto's oldest surviving temples, Toji Temple is not only a World Cultural Heritage site but also a prime location for experiencing Japanese history and culture.
Founded in 794, Toji Temple was built as a national temple after Emperor Kanmu relocated the capital to Heian-kyo. It is the only remaining structure in Heian-kyo. Toji Temple was designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1934 and a World Heritage Site in 1994 as part of the "Cultural Properties of Ancient Kyoto." Its five-story pagoda is the tallest in Japan.

#Main Attractions ✨
1️⃣ Five-story Pagoda: Toji Temple's five-story pagoda is Japan's tallest wooden pagoda and a landmark of Kyoto. At 54.8 meters, it is considered Japan's tallest wooden pagoda. Construction began in 826, but actual completion likely occurred in the late 9th century, after Kukai's death. After four lightning strikes and fires, the current five-story pagoda was completed in 1644, with donations from Tokugawa Iemitsu. Against the backdrop of the blue sky and white clouds, the pagoda appears majestic and ancient, and at night, illuminated, it creates a breathtaking scene.
2️⃣ Kondo Hall: The central building of the temple, the earliest construction, with the existing structure dating back to 1603. The spacious interior houses a seated statue of the main deity, Yakushi Nyorai, along with attendant statues of Sunlight Bodhisattva and Moonlight Bodhisattva.
3️⃣ Lecture Hall: Constructed to the north of the Kondo Hall, it is a single-story Junwa-style building with a hip roof. While the Kondo Hall houses the main deity of Exoteric Buddhism, Yakushi Nyorai, the lecture hall houses Esoteric Buddhist statues. At the center of the Sumeru Altar are the Five Directions Buddhas, centered around the main deity Vairocana. To the east are the Five Great Bodhisattvas, centered around Vajraparamita Bodhisattva. To the west are the Five Great Myogo statues, centered around Acala Myoko. Together, they form a three-dimensional mandala.

#Check-in Photo Tips 📸
The small pond in front of the Five-story Pagoda is the perfect spot for framing your photo. Experience the tranquility of millennia through its reflections.
Want to capture stunning photos of the Toji Five-story Pagoda? Be sure to time your visit! The pagoda's dark, natural wood color is perfect with the natural light of early morning or evening.

Photography is prohibited inside the temple. 📵 The only way to truly experience its mystery and majesty is to visit in person with friends! 📿

Post by 走跳碰 | Jul 31, 2025