I took Kintetsu Line to go to Tojo (East Temple) Station.
Toji Station is one stop away from Kyoto Station.
This is the main gate of Toji (East Temple).
Toji was established by Kanmu Tennoh (Emperor Kanmu) in 796.
Saga Tennoh (Emperor Saga) bestowed Toji to Kukai (Japanese Buddhist) in 823.
There was Saiji (West Temple) then.
Saiji was managed by the government (emperor); but the government couldn’t afford to maintain the temple at the time.
On the other hand, believers of Shingon Sect keeps good care of Toji.
Toji is equally important as Headquarters of Shingon Sect: Koyasan (Mt. Koya).
This temple was originally established by Emperor so we can find the Emperor’s Emblem: Kikuno Gomon (Chrysanthemum).
Kodo (Auditorium)
There is a Dainichi Nyorai (Sun of Buddha) and many more Buddha statues.
I sat in front of Dainichi Nyorai to enjoy quiet and peaceful moment.
Kondo (Golden Hall/Main Hall)
This temple’s principal Buddha is Yakushinyorai (Healing Buddha).
I also sat in front of Yakushinyorai to be healed.
Toji is famous for Gojyu no To (Five-Stories Pagoda).
It’s autumn so trees start changing colour.
I found a nice bamboo art.
It makes nice sound when rain drops hit them.
There is Yashimaden (Shrine) in the Toji.
This Shrine was established before Toji; therefore, this Shrine remained at the original place as a part of Toji.
It continues raining heavily so went back to Kyoto Station for lunch.
I had Kyoto cuisine at Restaurant Kurama, Kyoto Station.
At last, I enjoyed a Hojicha (roasted tea) parfait at my favorite Tsuruya Yoshinobu Cafe, Irodori, Kyoto Station.
Now I’m on the way back to Kyoto by Shinkansen (bullet train).
But now Shinkansen stopped and parked before Nagoya Station due to heavy rain in Shizuoka.
Typhoon 22 is approaching Japan.
This is my first experience to be stacked in Shinkansen.
I’m fine because Shinkansen is equipped with an outlet to charge my mobile at my seat and toilets!
sonokotchi 