Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of Toji Temple on a guided tour. Admire the 5-story pagoda, the Kodo and Kondo halls, and learn about the cultural significance of the temple.

Meet your guide and head to Toji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the 5-story pagoda, the tallest in Japan at 57 meters. Learn about the temple's history, which dates back to the 8th century.

Visit the Kodo and Kondo halls, two of the most significant structures in this UNESCO World Heritage site, each offering its own unique charms. The Kodo Hall is known for its impressive display of esoteric Buddhist statues, which reflect the Shingon sect of Buddhism, introduced to Japan by the monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi).

The main attraction is the central statue of Dainichi Nyorai (the Cosmic Buddha), surrounded by 21 deities in a mandala formation, representing the universe's cosmic order. The arrangement is deeply symbolic, representing the core teachings of Shingon Buddhism.

Inside the Kodo Hall, there's a sense of tranquility and awe, as the arrangement of statues evokes a feeling of spiritual depth. Visitors are often struck by the powerful presence of the statues, each representing various aspects of Buddhist philosophy.

The Kondo Hall is the main worship hall of Toji Temple and one of the oldest surviving buildings on the site, dating back to the early 17th century (although the original building dates to 796). It was rebuilt after a fire and remains the centerpiece of the temple's sacred architecture.

Inside, the Kondo Hall houses three large Buddha statues: the Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) flanked by Nikkō Bosatsu and Gakkō Bosatsu (Bodhisattvas representing sunlight and moonlight). These statues are masterfully crafted, conveying peace and healing, with Yakushi Nyorai symbolizing the power of medicine and the alleviation of suffering.