Source: Toji Temple (modified)
To-ji Temple, Kyoto
To-ji, or "East Temple" (794), is located near Kyoto Station, just east of the site of Rashomon Gate, the southern entrance to Kyoto. There was originally a West Temple on the other side of the gate, but neither the West Temple nor Rashomon itself have survived. The purpose of the temples was to protect the main entrance to emperor Kammu's newly built capital. In 823, To-ji was dedicated to the Shingon sect under the sect's founder, Kukai (Kobo Daishi, 774-835). The temple contains numerous outstanding statues, many with influences from India, related to Esoteric Buddhism.By all accounts, Kukai was a universal genius. A friend of the common people, he believed that Buddhist salvation was available to everyone, not just aristocrats. He created schools and hospitals for commoners, wrote the first dictionary of Japanese, and contributed technical improvements for agriculture and civil engineering (roads and bridges).
Our tour on these pages visits the red-colored buildings from south to north, starting at the Pagoda and ending at the Treasure Hall that houses the Senju Kannon.
