To-ji

What makes this place special?

At a Glance

Tō-ji in Kyoto’s Minami-ku, near Kyoto Station, was founded in 796 as a guardian temple of the Heian capital and later entrusted to Kūkai, becoming a core Shingon center. Its grounds hold the UNESCO-listed Kondo and Japan’s tallest wooden pagoda, plus a famed monthly Kobo-san market.

Ancient Iconic Imperial Connection UNESCO World Heritage

Why you should go

1

Toji hosts a large flea market on the 21st of every month. Over 1,000 stalls offer food, antiques, handmade crafts, and more across the temple grounds. The market opens early at 5 a.m. and closes around 4 p.m.

2

Toji rises 55 meters, making it Japan's tallest wooden structure.