Toji-in Temple is located in Toji-in Kita-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto City.
A temple of the Tenryuji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, it was built by Ashikaga Takauji in 1341 and is famous as his grave site.
Although it is a small temple with a secluded atmosphere, Toji-in Temple has many things to see at least once, such as a large Daruma painting by Daruma Daishi and a Japanese garden.
In this issue, we would like to introduce the history, charm, and highlights of Toji-in Temple in Kyoto.
What is Toji-in, Kyoto?
What kind of temple is Toji-in in Kyoto?
The name of the temple is Mannenzan, and its principal deity is Shakyamuni Buddha.
Located in Tojiin Kitamachi, Kita-ku, Kyoto, it was built by Ashikaga Takauji in 1341.
Ashikaga Takauji was born in 1305 and was a military commander active from the Kamakura period to the Nanbokucho period.
He rose to prominence in the Muromachi period in Kyoto and left his mark as the first barbarian conqueror.
There is also the Bodaiji Temple, the ancestral grave of Ashikaga Takauji.
■Origin of the name of Toji-in, Kyoto
Founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1341 with Mumuso Kokushi of Tenryuji Temple as the founder.
Originally a branch temple of Toji-ji Temple, which was built on the site of a former residence of the Muromachi Shogunate when it was founded, Toji-ji Temple in the Oshikoji-Takakura area was called "Minami-ji" and Toji-ji Temple was called "Hoki-ji".
Then, after the death of Ashikaga Takauji in 1358, it was called Toji-in, derived from his legal name.
Devastated by the Onin War in 1467, the temple was rebuilt by merging the main temple, Tojiji Temple, with Toji-in Temple.
From there, too, it was severely damaged by fire and war, but it has been rebuilt and continues to be passed down.
History of Toji-in Temple, Kyoto
Toji-in Temple in Kyoto began when it was opened in 4 Rekiou 4 by order of Ashikaga Takauji, the first barbarian general of the Muromachi Shogunate.
Some halls were destroyed by fire during the Onin War and other events, but the history of the temple continues as Hideyori Hideyoshi, son of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, had the hall restored.
Many films were shot by Shozo Makino, Japan's first film director, during the Taisho period (1912-1926), and a bronze statue of him was erected.
Today, the temple is dedicated to the Ashikaga family and is one of the most important temples in Kyoto.
Kyoto Toji-in Temple Highlights
Highlights of Toji-in Temple in Kyoto include the following
Please take a look when you visit.
circle of acquaintance
It was built in 1616 by Masanori Fukushima at Kaifukuin of Myoshinji Temple and was relocated.
The building has a sense of history, and the garden in front of the building is full of greenery and offers a seasonal view.
The sliding door paintings are also a highlight here, and are said to be the work of Kano Kohichi, a painter active in the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
Photography is basically prohibited, so please take a good look with your own eyes to preserve your memories.
Bodhidharma
When you visit Toji-in Temple in Kyoto, you must see "Daruma-zu" at least once.
Entering the temple grounds, visitors will find a large, large Daruma painting by Sekibokuo, a Rinzai sect priest.
This Daruma painting is said to depict Daruma Taishi, the founder of the Chinese Zen sect.
○Garden
The garden is said to be a pond garden with a circular path around the pond, said to be the work of Yumuso Kokushi.
The pond is filled with carp, and the natural setting is very elegant.
It is a popular spot where visitors can especially appreciate the changing seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter.
More than 50 trees have been planted, and the various views reflected in the pond are very beautiful.
○Reikouden
Reikouden," a wooden structure of the Ashikaga shoguns to date, is lined up in a row.
In the center of the temple, there is a powerful statue of Riun Jizo, a Buddhist image that was a Buddhist prayer offering for Ashikaga Takauji.
■Address and access to Toji-in Temple, Kyoto
Finally, let's look at the address and access to Toji-in Temple in Kyoto.
Address of Toji-in Temple, Kyoto, Japan
63 Tojiin Kitamachi, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Access to Toji-in Temple, Kyoto
Approximately 5 minutes walk from "Tojiin/Ritsumeikan University Kinugasa Campus-mae Station" of Keifuku Electric Railway Kitano Line
○ Homepage
■ Summary
How was it?
In this issue, we have introduced the history, charm, and highlights of Toji-in Temple in Kyoto.
So Toji-in Temple in Kyoto had a deep history with Ashikaga Takauji.
When you visit, please take a look at the garden full of greenery and the Daruma painting.
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