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.

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.

To-ji Temple surprised us with how tranquil and serene this place was. It was also neat to visit this temple’s pagoda, the tallest wooden structure in all of Japan. We lucked out because the pagoda happened to be open, a rare occurrence usually only reserved for special occasions. The temple gardens were lush and calming, especially by the pond. Inside the temple itself stood massive sculptures that make us feel so small, though no pictures were allowed inside. Time wise we spent about an hour and a half to two hours here comfortably. We’d love to come back here someday. Make sure not to miss this wonderful place!

November 2024: Blessedly peaceful and only few visitors on the weekday. The historic architecture can be appreciated by those who understand the intricate details, and the garden makes for a beautiful shot of the pagoda. Absolutely wonderful to see nature’s friends enjoying the surroundings too

To-ji Temple in Kyoto is a truly majestic place, especially known for its iconic five-story pagoda—the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan. The temple grounds are peaceful and spacious, perfect for a quiet stroll and reflection. The historical atmosphere is palpable, and the architecture is stunning in its detail and symmetry. It’s just a short walk from Kyoto Station, making it very accessible for visitors. I visited during winter, and although the trees were bare, the beauty of the place still stood out. A must-visit for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts. (Late post, but the memory still feels fresh.)

I love the Zen feel of this place, and i was even more excited to be able to go inside the temple and swe all the statues. I wish you could take photos inside.... it was a pretty amazing thing to see. If you want to see a beautiful garden and some amazing historical buildings, this is a great place to stop. There is a small cover charge. And you might want to read up on the rules and what's respectful to the temple before you go.

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.

Ticket is 800 Y (5.32$) for the halls inside. It is such a beautiful temple with an amazing garden! It's located right at the centre of Kyoto! You stay nearby, you may likely check it out first. This temple is not too crowded. So, chill! Inside the halls, there are statues of Old Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. However, you're not allowed to take photos inside the halls. I visited there on the 30th July 2025.