Toji Temple, Kyoto, Japan.
Established in 796, Toji Temple had been the most important and the highest ranked amongst all the Buddhism temples in Kyoto. The leaders of this temple had been the leader of all the Buddhists for approximately 1,000 years since 9th century until Meiji Restoration in 1868.
As a part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, it owns massive important cultural properties including dozens of Japan’s national treasures though all the buildings were burnt down in 1486 and rebuilt in 16th and 17th century.
This 5-story pagoda was rebuilt in 1644, while the original one was built in 877.
Photo and article by Shintaro Takagi
