Tō-ji 3.64

is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in Kyoto, Japan. It once had a partner, Sai-ji and, together, they stood alongside the Rashomon, gate to the Heian capital. It was formally known as which indicates that it previously functioned as a temple providing protection for the nation. Tō-ji is located in Minami-ku near the intersection of Ōmiya Street and Kujō Street, southwest of Kyoto Station.Tō-ji was founded in the early Heian period. The temple dates from 796, two years after the capital moved to Heian-kyō. Together with its partner Sai-ji, and the temple Shingon-in, it was one of only three Buddhist temples allowed in the capital at the time, and is the only of the three to survive to the present.Tō-ji is often associated with Kōbō Daishi . Though Tō-ji began to decline in the end of Heian period, it came back into the spotlight with the rise of Daishi Shinko in Kamakura period. The well-known Buddhist priest was put in charge of Tō-ji in 823 by order of Emperor Saga. The temple's principal image is of Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha.　Many religious services for Daishi are held in, the residence of Kōbō Daishi.