Buddhist temple
Tō-ji (Kyōō Gokoku-ji)
東寺（教王護国寺）（とうじ／きょうおうごこくじ）
Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
A temple connected with the Heian capital, entrusted to Kōbō Daishi Kūkai. You can explore Yakushi Nyorai in the Kondō (Main Hall) and the three-dimensional mandala in the Kōdō (Lecture Hall) one at a time.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Connected with Kōbō Daishi / Kondō: Yakushi Nyorai / Kōdō: Dainichi Nyorai
History and things to know
It began as an official temple founded with the move of the capital to Heian-kyō and was entrusted to Kūkai by Emperor Saga. The Kōdō represents the world of Esoteric Buddhism through sacred images centered on Dainichi Nyorai, and in the Mieidō, daily offerings to the Daishi continue.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 東寺（教王護国寺）「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-16 確認）
- 東寺（教王護国寺）「金堂」（2026-10-16 確認）
- 東寺（教王護国寺）「講堂」（2026-10-16 確認）
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