［One of the highlights of Toji Temple is the five-story pagoda, a national treasure. The five-story pagoda, which looks as if it is welcoming people from the south window of the Shinkansen bullet train, is truly a landmark tower of Kyoto. At 55 meters tall, it is the tallest wooden structure in Japan.
The five-story pagoda has been destroyed by fire several times due to lightning and other causes, but has been rebuilt repeatedly. The current structure was rebuilt and dedicated by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1644, making it the fifth generation.

Inside the first floor of the five-story pagoda, there is a space that expresses esoteric Buddhist teachings through Buddhist statues and murals. Normally closed to the public, the pagoda is open to visitors every New Year and during special openings in spring and fall. Please visit the museum according to the opening schedule.

One of the highlights of Toji Temple, the head temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, is the three-dimensional mandala in the auditorium.
First, let's take a look at the auditorium, an Important Cultural Property. The lecture hall, located in the center of the large temple complex, was completed in 839, and although it was destroyed by fire along with Kondo and Nandaimon in 1486, it was quickly rebuilt five years later in 1491, and continues to this day. The rebuilding may have been hastened because the lecture hall was central to the spread of esoteric Buddhist teachings.

In the auditorium, a magnificent mandala is embodied by 21 Buddhist statues. A mandala is an easy-to-understand expression of the teachings of esoteric Buddhism. In order to convey the mandala more realistically to people, Kukai conceived the idea of a three-dimensional mandala.
The three-dimensional mandala, also called the Kakuma Mandala, compares [Toji Temple] to a giant mandala. Just as Dainichi Nyorai is depicted at the center of the mandala, a statue of Dainichi Nyorai is enshrined at the center of the three-dimensional mandala. Of the 21 statues placed on the platform and in the four directions of the hall, 15 statues, which have existed since the early Heian period, are designated as National Treasures. One of the statues was recently designated as a National Treasure, making a total of 16 statues a must-see sight.

Arranged in a circle in the center of the three-dimensional mandala are the Five Wisdom Nyorai, including Dainichi Nyorai, all five of which are Important Cultural Properties. On the right side facing Dainichi Nyorai are the Five Great Bodhisattvas, led by Kongo-Haramitta Bosatsu (Vajrayana Bodhisattva). The Five Great Myoo (Godai Myoo), centering on Fudo Myoo, is on the left. On the four sides are the Four Heavenly Kings, Brahma, and Taisakuten, who protect the Nyorai, Bodhisattvas, and Myoo.
One glance at the three-dimensional mandala will draw you into the world of esoteric Buddhism.

The three statues of Yakushi Sanzon in Kondo are another highlight of the temple.

Kondo, the first building begun after the construction of To-ji Temple in 796 (Enryaku 15), is the main hall of the temple, and was rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyori in 1603 (Keicho 8) after being destroyed by fire in 1486. It is now designated as a National Treasure as it is a Momoyama period building that blends the Tenjiki-style with the Japanese style, incorporating the Song Dynasty style.

The main deity of Kondo is the Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha), who is said to protect people from all kinds of illnesses. Surrounding the pedestal are powerful statues of the Twelve Divine Generals. Nikko Bosatsu (Sunlight Bodhisattva) and Gakko Bosatsu (Moonlight Bodhisattva) are enshrined on the right and left sides, respectively.
The statue of Yakushi Sanzon was destroyed by fire along with Kondo, but was restored by Kosho, a leading Buddhist priest of the Momoyama period (1573-1600), and is designated as an important cultural property. The Yakushi Sanzon statues have been praying for the peace of the world since ancient times, and you can quietly place your hands on them.

［The attractions of Toji Temple are not limited to its historic buildings and Buddhist statues. The Kobo Market, held on the 21st of every month, is a lively and attractive event.

It is said that the festival originally began when more and more people came to worship at the Mikagekū (memorial service) held at Miedō on the 21st of each month, and teahouses began to open their stalls. Today, nearly 1,000 stalls line the grounds of the temple, which are crowded with people of all ages and genders.

At the Koboichi stalls, antiques and miscellaneous goods are sold. The difference from flea markets is that specialty stores, not ordinary people, set up their stalls.
If you would like to take a peek at the Kobo Market as well, visit Toji Temple on "Kobo-san's Day" on the 21st. If you come across unexpected bargains or favorite items, Kobo-san may have brought you together.

Cherry blossoms and autumn leaves illuminated
During the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, the temple grounds are lit up for special nighttime viewing. The illuminated nighttime cherry blossoms and autumn leaves are a fantastic and beautiful sight to behold. Of course, the contrast of the majestic five-story pagoda towering in the background of the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves is not to be missed.

In addition to the illumination, special nighttime viewing of the Kondo and Kodo halls will also be held. This is a great opportunity to experience the atmosphere of Toji Temple, which is different from that of daytime, so be sure to include this event in your Kyoto sightseeing plans for the evening.
Hours of visitation are from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and the reception desk closes at 9:00 p.m. Admission is 1000 yen for adults.
Note that the parking fee for regular cars will be 1,000 yen during the nighttime lighting.

Special Viewing
Every New Year's, a special New Year's viewing is held. In addition, a special spring viewing is held from March 20 to May 25 in the spring, and a special fall viewing from September 20 to November 25 in the fall.
During this period only, the Treasure House will be open to the public, displaying a variety of cultural assets such as Buddhist statues, paintings, and calligraphy from Toji's collection. This is a unique opportunity to come into contact with treasures that have been handed down over the years.
At the same time, the interior of the first floor of the five-story pagoda, which is normally closed to the public, is also open to the public. However, the interior of the first floor of the five-story pagoda is open to the public several times a year, so please visit regularly.Toji Temple WebsiteIt is recommended to check the

●Koho Market
Koboichi is a fair held on the 21st of every month and is basically held rain or shine. If you go to the trouble, visit the shrine on "Kobo-san Day" and enjoy both sightseeing and shopping.
Preparations for the Kobo Market start at 5:00 a.m. when the gates open, and almost all stores are open by around 8:00 p.m.. The market closes at sunset around 4:00 p.m., which is the approximate time of the day. Opening and closing times vary depending on the season, weather, and vendors, so it is a good idea to check in advance.
Toji Koboichi Web site:http://www.touji-ennichi.com/
Official Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/toji_koboichi__official/