Toji Temple, Kyoto

Toji was founded in 794 as a guardian temple for Kyoto. It was one of only two great temples allowed in the city after the capital was moved from Nara to escape the meddlesome Buddhist clergy.

Toji Temple's famous five-tier pagoda.

Saiji, its twin temple, no longer exists.

Rear of the main hall at Toji Temple.

The kondo houses statues of the Yakushi-nyorai and his two attendants. In the Lecture Hall, a set of 21 Buddhist statues can be seen arranged according to the Mikkyo Mandala described in the main sutra of Shingon esoteric Buddhism.

Impressive Yakushi triad at Toji Temple.

Buddha images arranged as a mandala.

Side entrance to Toji Temple's kondo.

Jikido (refectory) of Toji Temple.

Toji Temple pagoda viewed from behind the kondo.

Wisteria in front of Toji Temple's pagoda.