To-ji Temple

To-ji Temple is the head temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. It was founded in 794 (13th year of the Enryaku era) by Emperor Kanmu during the construction of Heian-kyo, two years later, to protect the nation, it was built to the east of Rashomon Gate. In 823 (14th year of the Kōnin era), it was bestowed to Kukai (Kobo Daishi) by Emperor Saga. The Lecture Hall (Important Cultural Property) houses 21 statues, including the Five Great Wisdom Kings (National Treasures) centered around the Dainichi Nyorai, forming a three-dimensional mandala. The Golden Hall (National Treasure) was rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyori and enshrines the Yakushi Triad (Important Cultural Property). The Mieido Hall (Daishi Hall, National Treasure) was the residence of Kobo Daishi during his lifetime and houses a statue of Kobo Daishi (National Treasure) and a seated statue of Fudo Myo-o (National Treasure, Secret Buddha) that he personally worshipped. The Five-storied Pagoda (National Treasure) was rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu, standing at 55 meters, making it the tallest in Japan. The interior is not open to the public. The Treasure Hall houses numerous cultural properties related to Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. In December 1994 (6th year of the Heisei era), it was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site under the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto".