Special Opening of the First Floor of the Five-storied Pagoda

Before you go

To-ji's five-storied pagoda stands 55 meters tall — Japan's tallest wooden structure and a Kyoto landmark, normally seen only from outside. This special opening admits visitors to the first floor interior. The space is small, but you get close to the timber structure and the Buddhist images enshrined inside — somewhere you can never otherwise enter.

In 823, Emperor Saga granted To-ji to Kukai, making it the founding center of Shingon esoteric Buddhism; it became a World Heritage site in 1994. The five-storied pagoda is To-ji's symbol, rebuilt after fires over the centuries. Its first-floor interior is normally closed and opens only during special openings.

• Enter the normally closed first-floor interior of the five-storied pagoda
• See the timber structure up close
• Combine with the Treasure Hall exhibition and night illumination at the same temple on the same day

Getting there

City bus to Toji-higashimon-mae, 2 minutes on foot; Kintetsu Toji Station, 10 minutes on foot; about 15 minutes on foot from the Hachijo exit of JR Kyoto Station.

Booking

Check the To-ji official site for admission fees and whether reservations are needed.

Crowds

The interior space is limited; expect crowd control and go early.

Good for

For anyone interested in historic architecture and Buddhist buildings, and for visitors who've seen the pagoda's exterior and want to go inside.

How it differs

Among To-ji's three autumn programs, the first-floor opening is unique for getting inside the building: the Treasure Hall shows art and documents, the night illumination is about the evening view and the mandala — only this one takes you into the 55-meter wooden tower. If you're into architectural structure, this is the most irreplaceable of the three; if you want photos, the night reflection is more photogenic. Very few pagodas in Kyoto (unlike the always-exterior Yasaka Pagoda) ever open their interiors.

Sources To-ji official site