Toji Temple

Toji Temple, literally "East Temple", is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect located in Kyoto. It was founded by Emperor Kammu in 796. During this time it was one of the three Buddhist temples allowed in Heian-kyo, or now Kyoto which was the capital at the time. Toji Temple is the only temple of these three that still stand today. Toji Temple became a very important Buddhist temple when Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Buddhism Shingon sect became its head priest.

The temple has several other features that make it significant. The Kondo Hall is the main hall of the temple and its largest building. In the Kondo Hall is a statue of Yakushi, the temple's object of worship. Although the main hall was destroyed by a fire in 1486, it was reconstructed and still houses the Yakushi statue. Today Toji Temple is best known for its five-story pagoda. It stands approximately 180 ft tall and is Japan's tallest wooden tower.