To-ji Temple Tours

Toji Temple featuring night scenes and a temple or place of worship
The To-ji Temple is one of the preeminent traditional sites in Kyoto, with exquisite structures, a flea market and the tallest pagoda in the country.

Remarkably, this Buddhist temple was constructed more than a millennium ago. Now, it is one of the main tourist attractions in Kyoto. After a destructive fire in the 15th century, it survives today as a prominent illustration of ancient Japanese architecture. Among other impressive structures, the temple houses the tallest pagoda in Japan, which can be seen for miles around. Tourists and locals alike flock here once a month for the flea market in the surrounding parkland.

Wander around the Kondo Hall, the largest structure of the temple. Check out the imposing wooden statue of Yakushi Buddha. Peruse the 19 statues imported from China in the Kodo Hall. Both rooms were damaged by a fire in 1486 and later rebuilt. There is a reasonable entrance fee for the halls. From the admission-free area, gaze up at the tallest pagoda, a traditional-style tiered tower, in Japan. Its five stories can be seen from across the city and stand 187 feet (57 meters) high.

Make your way to the Homotsukan Museum for statues, authentic ornaments and other relics from times past. Browse the dynamic flea market bustling with buyers and sellers on the 21st day of every month. Haggle for second-hand bargains and artifacts varying from clothes and toys to food and plants. Scrutinize the antiques at a smaller market on the first Sunday of every month.

The temple dates back to the beginning of the Heian Period in the late eighth century. At the south entrance of the city, it served as a guardian temple. It was partially destroyed by a fire in 1486. Its name translates as East Temple – there was originally a western equivalent called Sai-ji.

To-ji Temple is based in Minami-ku at the corner of Omiya and Kujo streets. It is a 1.2-mile (1.9-kilometer) walk from Kyoto Station, a futuristic hub of transportation that sits on multiple train lines and holds the city’s largest bus terminal. To-ji Station is closer, and lies on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line.

Plan a trip to see To-ji Temple

MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station (Former:MONday Apart Premium Kyoto Shichijo Horikawa)
ORI Rokkaku
GATE STAY hotel Osaka Namba
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Browse tours and tickets to explore To-ji Temple

Reviews of To-ji Temple

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
107
" "5 - Excellent 57.83783783783784%
4 - Good
69
" "4 - Good 37.2972972972973%
3 - Okay
9
" "3 - Okay 4.864864864864865%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Carolyn
Nov 21, 2018

Tallest pagoda in Japan. Many important Buddhist icons. Antique market on the grounds 1st Sunday of each month.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near To-ji Temple

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
4 out of 5
17 Nishi Kujoin-machi, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
Richmond Hotel Premier Kyoto Ekimae
Richmond Hotel Premier Kyoto Ekimae
3 out of 5
565-3 Kita Fudondo-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Richmond Hotel Premier Kyoto Ekimae
RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto
RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto
4 out of 5
1 Taimatsu-cho, Shiokoji-sagaru, HigashiHorikawa-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
4.5 out of 5
JR Kyoto Station, Karasuma Chuo-guchi, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Keio Prelia Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo
Keio Prelia Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo
3 out of 5
396, Gojokarasuma, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
Keio Prelia Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo
Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA 
Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA 
4 out of 5
44-1, Kamitonodacho, Higashikujo, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA 
JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
3 out of 5
44-1 Higashikujo Kamitonodacho, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.