I am used to seeing pagodas, just not in Japan.
In the 13th year of Enryaku (794), the Emperor Kammu transferred the capital of Japan from Nara to Kyoto and built, after Chang-an, then the capital of China, two huge guardian temples on the east (Toji Temple, East Temple) and west (Saiji Temple, West Temple). Later Toji Temple was made into the central seminary of Esoteric Buddhism and housed large number of cultural assets brought back from China, such as old Buddhist statues, carving, paintings. I must say that I relate more to this style of Buddhism than the Zen-style.
The grounds of the Temple are rather huge, it's a great way to wind down (even more) in nature, with flora and fauna.
I had some tea for sample.
Five-storied Pagoda - A National Treasure from the Edo Period
The pagoda is so famous it reminds all Japanese of Kyoto and Toji. It is the highest pagoda in Japan, measuring 187 feet. It was built by Kobo-dashi in 826 and burned down four times after being struck by lightning. The present pagoda was built by the third Tokugawa Shogun Iemitsu in 1644.
Spot the red pails for use in case of fire.
The other places
More pictures are available on my Flickr (simply click any photo).
Toji Temple (Japanese)/ Toji Temple (English)
Cost: 300 to 500 yen
Access: 10-minute walk from To-ji Station on the Kintetsu Railway, City Bus Stop To-ji-higashimon-mae, 15-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station Hachijo-guchi exit
Related Posts:
Japan Day 7 – Kyoto, Day 2:
- Check out and deposit luggage at reception
- Using the Kyoto City Pass One-Day Pass
- Train to Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Toji Temple
- Kyoto, Japan: Going Green in Gion
- Kyoto, Japan: Gion District
- Kyoto, Japan: Gion’s Shirakawa Street
- Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Jishu Shrine & Otowa Spring
- Ginkakuji Temple
- Making More Offerings and Getting your Fortunes Told in Kyoto
- Train to Osaka
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