Toji-Rakunan-Kaikan
TEL : 075-691-3101（9:00~18:00）Address : 1 Kujocho, Minami Ward, KyotoAccess : Kintetsu Kyoto Line Toji Station > 10 minutes walkParking : There is a parking lotTime : Check-in 15:00 Check-out 10:00Room : 29 guest rooms
Introduction to Toji (Kyoo-Gokokuji) Temple
Toji Temple was built around 1,200 years ago when the city of Kyoto was established. Toji means eastern temple in Japanese. At that time it was on the east side of the city. Its official name is Kyoo-Gokokuji Temple.
Within the temple grounds, there are many valuable buildings, including the national treasures, the Kondo Hall and the Miedo House. The five-story pagoda is known as a landmark of Kyoto. Groups of Buddhist statues called three-dimensional mandalas, which represent esoteric Buddhist thought, are also popular.
Shukubo (temple stay)
The shukubo was three stories tall and old, but it had been renovated and was clean. The room I stayed in had a refrigerator, a TV, a sink, a kettle, and a tea set. From the window, I could see the illuminated five-story pagoda directly in front of me, which was wonderful.
The bath was a large public bath and was well-cleaned. Morning services were held at the Miedo Hause starting just after 6:00 a.m.
Not only the guests staying at the shukubo but also local residents gathered and chanted sutras like a song. During the ceremony, a monk was seen offering food to Kobo Daishi. They wore something like a mask and lifted and lowered the tray several times.
Breakfast consisted of toast and salad and was served for 500 yen.
