Tō-ji Temple
東寺 · 미나미구
building in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation1:41
Welcome to Tō-ji, the 'East Temple' of Kyoto, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a towering monument to the spiritual vision of Kōbō Daishi. Established in 796, shortly after the capital moved to Heian-kyo, Tō-ji was originally one…
Listen in the app2The Five-Story Pagoda — Japan's Tallest Wooden Tower1:40
Gaze upward at the Gojū-no-tō, the five-story pagoda that stands as the definitive icon of Kyoto. Reaching a height of 55 meters, it is the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan. …
Listen in the app3The Kondo — The Main Hall of Healing1:33
Before you stands the Kondō, or 'Golden Hall,' the largest building at Tō-ji and its primary place of worship. The architecture is a compelling fusion of styles, blending traditional Japanese 'Wayō' with elements of the…
Listen in the app4The Kodo — The Lecture Hall and the Sculptural Mandala1:36
Adjacent to the Kondo is the Kōdō, or Lecture Hall, added in 825 under the direct supervision of Kōbō Daishi. This building is perhaps the most spiritually significant for students of Esoteric Buddhism. …
Listen in the app5The Jikido — The Hall of Restoration and Dining1:31
The Jikidō, or Dining Hall, offers a fascinating look at the daily lives of the monks who have inhabited Tō-ji for over a millennium. Originally a space where monks would take their communal meals in silence, it was also a place…
Listen in the app6The Hyotan-ike Pond and Garden — A Mirror of Nature1:37
Step into the temple's garden, centered around the Hyotan-ike, or Gourd-shaped Pond. While Tō-ji is primarily known for its architecture, its garden provides a vital aesthetic counterpoint. …
Listen in the app7The Homotsukan — Repository of Sacred Treasures1:30
Finally, we visit the Hōmotsukan, or Treasure House. This modern museum building is opened only during special seasons in the spring and autumn to protect the extremely delicate artifacts within. …
Listen in the app8Closing1:24
As you exit Tō-ji, perhaps through the Kageyamon gate, take one last look at the pagoda towering over the walls. Tō-ji is more than a landmark; it is a physical manifestation of a spiritual philosophy that has shaped the Japanese…
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What is Tō-ji Temple?
Tō-ji Temple is a place in 미나미구 with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | 미나미구 |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Total length | 12 min 32 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 34.9806, 135.7478 |
| Last updated |
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