Five-Storied Pagoda

The famous five-storied pagoda is the tallest wooden structure in Japan, standing 54.8 meters high. The pagoda was destroyed by fire four times due to lightning, but was restored each time. The current five-story pagoda was donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu in the early Edo period.

The reflection of the five-story pagoda and autumn leaves on the surface of Hyotaike Pond is also very impressive and popular as a photo spot. The precincts of To-ji Temple are vast, so even if there are many tourists, you can visit the temple at your leisure.

 Kondo(the main hall)

 This is the main hall of To-ji Temple. It is a building that combines the Tenjiku-yo and Wa-yo styles, incorporating the Song Dynasty style. Inside the building, the principal image of Yakushi Nyorai and statues of Nikko Bosatsu (Sun Goddess) and Gekko Bosatsu (Moon Goddess) are enshrined. Surrounding these statues are the Twelve Divine Generals and other Buddhist statues, which are overwhelmingly powerful.

Magical Lighting up of autumn leaves

During the season of autumn leaves, the pagoda is lit up at night during special openings to the public. The beauty of the five-story pagoda and about 200 autumn leaves illuminated by the lights is breathtaking. The reflection of the five-story pagoda and autumn leaves on the surface of Hyotaike Pond is also very impressive and popular as a photo spot. The precincts of To-ji Temple are vast, so even if there are many tourists, you can visit the temple at your leisure.

History 

Toji-temple was built in supplication for national peace at the time Heiankyo was constructed, and was located on the east side of Rajomon Gate,main gate of the city. The temple on the west side, Saijo Temple was burnt down in 1233. It consists of Kodo(LectureHall),Kondo(MainHall), and Goju-no-to(Five-storied pagoda)

World Cultural Heritage site

To-ji Temple is a national temple built at the time of the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo. It is the only surviving remnant of Heian-kyo and was considered one of the two major temples of Heian-kyo along with Sai-ji Temple. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.