Kyoto Station, To-ji Temple

Kyoto Station, To-ji Temple:Overview & History

Once you get off the Shinkansen in Kyoto, you will find yourself in Kyoto Station. The station has undergone gradual development since its establishment in 1877. With service for many railway lines including as the JR Tokaido Shinkansen, the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Main Line, the JR Nara Line, the JR Biwako Line, the Kintetsu Kyoto Line, and the Subway Karasuma Line, Kyoto Station has now become a hub for travelling to Tokyo, Hokuriku, Osaka, Nara, and many other regions. Toji Temple is located southwest of Kyoto Station, and was built in 794.

Kyoto Station, To-ji Temple:Area Introduction

Kyoto Station is the gateway to the ancient capital of Kyoto, and is visited by many tourists from all around the world. Toji Temple is located at the south of the station, and Higashi Honganji Temple and Nishi Hongwanji Temple are located at the north of the station. This area is ideal for buying souvenirs, with the AEON Mall, Yodobashi Camera, and Bic Camera all nearby.

Kyoto Station Surrounding Areas

Kyoto Station as it stands today was built in 1997, and the structure near the Karasuma central exit is known as the Kyoto Station Building. The station is loved by the citizens of Kyoto, and features the vast atrium of the central concourse, as well as the department store JR Kyoto Isetan. In front of the station, you will find the 131-meter Kyoto Tower, one of the landmarks of modern Kyoto.

To-ji Temple Surrounding Areas

Located in the northwest corner of Kujo Omiya, Toji Temple was a gift to Kukai (Kobo Daishi) from the Emperor and gained a following among the common people as the central seminary for Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. Many companies and schools are located nearby, and the temple is often a destination for students on school outings, meaning that the temple is always bustling with students.

Kyoto Station, To-ji Temple:Must-See Events

The 21st of every month:Kobo Market (Kobo-san)

On the 21st of every month, a ritual called Mieku is conducted at Toji Temple to commemorate the legacy of Kukai (Kobo Daishi) who passed away on March 21, 835. An antique market called "Kobo-san" is also held on this date within the temple grounds. The temple is particularly bustling with tourists for "Hatsu Kobo" held in January and "Shimai Kobo" held in December.

Kyoto Station, To-ji Temple:Access

Access from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto Station

From Kansai Airport Station, take the JR Kansai Airport Line Rapid Service Haruka bound for Kyoto, ride for 80 minutes, and then get off at Kyoto Station.

Access from Osaka International Airport to Kyoto Station

From Osaka (Itami) Airport, take the Airport Limousine Bus, ride for about 55 minutes, and then get off at Hachijo-guchi in Kyoto Station.

Access from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station

From JR Osaka Station, take the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Main Line Special Rapid Service bound for Nagahama, ride for about 30 minutes, and then get off at JR Kyoto Station.

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