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Toji Temple - description, history, location, map. Exact address and website. Reviews of tourists and photos.
Toji Temple ("oriental temple") is located in the Kyoto Shingon area. Once he had a "partner" - the Sai-ji ("western") temple, and together they stood at the Rashomon gate. Temples were used as defensive structures. The temple was founded in the Heian period and was built in 796, that is, two years after the transfer of the capital to Heian Kio. Together with Sai-ji and the Shingon-yin temple (located in the Heian Palace), Toji was one of the three Buddhist temples that were allowed in the capital at that time. And he remained the only one of the three that has survived to this day.
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| Toji Temple |
The Toji Temple is often associated with Kobo Daishi (Kukai). Although the shrine's prosperity ended with the end of the Heian period, the shrine became popular again with the rise of the Shinko Daishi (Kobo Daishi) cult during the Kamakura period. The main image in the temple is still Yakushi Niorai, the Buddha of medicine.
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| Toji Temple |
UNESCO listed Toji Temple, among several other landmarks in Kyoto Prefecture, as a World Heritage Site as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
The Toji Temple is visible from a distance thanks to a remarkable five-level pagoda, almost 55 meters high. It is the tallest wooden tower in Japan. It dates from the Edo period, when the tower was rebuilt by order of the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu. The pagoda has become and continues to be a symbol of Kyoto. Alas, you can go inside only a few days a year.
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| Toji Temple |
The condo, or "Golden Hall", is the main premises of the Toji Temple. Here you can see the statue of Yakushi, created in 1603. Miedo is dedicated to Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Toji Temple. This hall is located on the site of his original residence. The hall is open to the public on the 21st of every month, when a memorial service in honor of Kukai is held here.
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| Toji Temple |
The territory of the temple with a garden and a pond, where turtles and oi carps live, is very interesting. In addition, there is a privileged Rakunan private school on the territory, many of whose students become students of the most elite universities.
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| Toji Temple |
On the 21st of every month, the famous flea market takes place on the territory of Toji Temple. Its popular name is Kobo-san, after Kobo Daishi, who passed away on March 21st. At the flea market, you can buy all sorts of curiosities, antiques, art, clothing, ceramics, food and all sorts of other second-hand items. The largest flea market takes place on December 21st.
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| Toji Temple |
A similar market takes place on the 25th of every month in Kitano Tenmangu called Tendzin. Kyoto proverb says: "Good weather at To-ji Temple market means rain at Tendzin market."
There is another market near the Toji Temple, which is smaller and focused mainly on antiques. It takes place on the first Sunday of every month and is less crowded.