What other travelers are saying about To-ji Temple
I came here for the autumn night viewing last November and it was nothing short of spectacular. The entire place is strategically lit up in a way that accentuates the structures and surrounding landscape. The pagoda in particular looks amazing and there is a lake in the garden area that reflects the pagoda off its surface.
When I went, some of the buildings were open so you could look at the statues inside. Admission was ~1000 Yen, if I recall correctly.
I hadn't planned on coming here originally but am very glad I made the spontaneous decision to do so.
The 2 huge main halls smell like ancient wood, very calming & zen…
The garden is quite small, pond water is kinda dirty, but got a big grey bird & nice photo views of the pagoda.
Good to visit for once.
Absolutely spectacular! It was crowded and warm in September, as to be expected, so bring water, dress cool and arrive early! It’s stunning! The gardens and the grounds are serene and the pagoda is remarkable! Be respectful, as this is a holy place and people are there to pray at the temples.
Echoing others, this temple was so lovely. We couldn't tour in the pagoda, but you could go in the nearby buildings which were full of beautiful statues. It wasn't busy when we visited in late-May (a big highlight) and had nice bathrooms. Just a really relaxing space with beautiful gardens.
We easily reached by bus and was a highlight in Kyoto. Easy cab ride to other areas in Kyoto.
Probably the most underrated temple in Kyoto by far! I mean there’s a reason it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is not as popular as most other temples in the area which is great! No queues or crowds. You will get your money’s worth.
Be sure to go inside all the temples if you can. Photography is prohibited inside the temples but it is definitely something to behold!
We were lucky enough to be able to visit the temple during one of their special night viewings. There’s something special about seeing the statues inside the temples light up while still being surrounded by the darkness of night.
The temple garden was also quite beautiful to walk around, especially at night.
Spring and autumn are the most beautiful times to visit. In spring, cherry blossoms surround the temple, and in autumn, colorful leaves create a stunning view. The 21st of each month, during the market, is also a great time to visit.
The pagoda is only open to the public on special occasions. When it’s open, visitors can see its murals and statues, making it a rare and special experience.
To-ji is the main temple of Shingon Buddhism, a type of Buddhism brought to Japan by Kukai. The temple and its artifacts reflect Shingon teachings about finding enlightenment.
Photography is allowed on the temple grounds, but restrictions may apply inside certain buildings, especially where sacred statues or artifacts are displayed. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful when taking photos.
To-ji has flat paths that make it accessible for visitors with mobility issues. However, some older buildings may have steps or uneven surfaces, so it’s best to check in advance for specific accessibility needs.
