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Kyoto's Toji Temple: See the Magical Autumn Foliage at Night!
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Toji Temple, a historical monument of Kyoto, has a rich history. Exclusively during the spring and fall, the garden is illuminated for a special night viewing. The autumn foliage in the evening is simply magical. Read on to learn more about this magnificent event on the temple grounds.
Toji Temple: Enjoy Fall Foliage at a World Heritage Site!
As part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, Toji Temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. It's also known for its five-storied pagoda, visible from the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train line.
Toji Temple is located in the Kujo area of Kyoto City and has remained unchanged for over 1,300 years. It's no exaggeration to say that this is a symbolic temple with a distinguished history.
Toji Temple is also associated with the Buddhist monk Kukai (774 - 835), who was put in charge of the temple upon orders of the emperor. Kukai, also referred to as Kobo Daishi in Japan, founded the esoteric Shingon Buddhist Sect. He was instrumental in spreading and developing Buddhism to the masses throughout Japan.
The five-storied pagoda alongside the hall on the temple precincts, Buddhist statues, and items that belonged to Kukai are precious items designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.
How to Access Toji Temple
You can access Toji Temple on foot from the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station. It takes about 15 minutes. If you're riding the bus, get off at Toji Higashimon-mae bus stop and walk for just one minute.
Exquisite Autumn Foliage at Toji Temple
We visited the temple around 19:00 in mid-November 2021. Despite being a weekday, it was bustling with people. However, it didn't feel overly crowded due to the temple precincts being so expansive.
The peak of the autumn foliage season appeared to be over, with the leaves on many trees falling. Nonetheless, the scale and beauty of this view were breathtaking and unrivaled. This special viewing is exclusively available for a short period during this time of year. The seasonal scenery warmed and touched the writer's heart.
We were able to take this stunning photo of the five-storied pagoda with the full moon in the background.
This pagoda is a National Treasure that's become a symbol of Toji Temple. If you get up close, you can sense its powerful presence. When the pagoda is lit up, detailed designs stand out clearly, showcasing the beautiful and intricate molding.
The pagoda burned down a total of four times due to lightning strikes and other causes. The present-day pagoda was built during the first half of the Edo period in 1644. You can't help but admire the skills of the craftspeople who built it.
The Autumn 2022 special viewing is held from Saturday, October 29 to Sunday, December 11. Hours are from 17:15 until 21:30 (entrance is open until 21:00).
The Hall and Auditorium During a Solemn and Dignified Evening
Visitors can also look inside the Golden Hall (Kondo) and the auditorium (Kodo) during this special viewing.
The auditorium is located next to the Golden Hall. You can worship the three-dimensional mandala statue, which depicts the esoteric teachings of Shingon Buddhism. Starting with the statue of Dainichi Nyorai, an Important Cultural Property, there's a full lineup of statues recognized as National Treasures.
In the evening, the Buddhist statues look even more solemn and dignified, as if they're urging visitors to take action. The smile on the statue's face will feel like it's clutching your heart.
Cafe Yamabuki: Take a Break and Enjoy Some Amazake!
After strolling the temple precincts, we recommend taking a break at Cafe Yamabuki. It is conveniently located at the garden's entrance.
Cafe Yamabuki's homemade amazake, a sweet-tasting Japanese drink made from fermented rice, is garnished with grated ginger. Kyoto evenings get quite cold, so a cup of amazake can warm your body. While taking a breather, we could sense the importance of pausing to reflect even on busy days.
During spring, the area takes on a different kind of beauty with its cherry blossoms. There are many fantastic places worth visiting in the spring and fall.
So, please stop by for a visit to immerse yourself in the magical evening atmosphere. It doubles as an opportunity to admire the beauty of Toji Temple's architecture and the surrounding nature!
Photo by Karin
*This is a revised edition of an article originally published on December 21, 2021.
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