Homotsukan (Treasure Hall)
The Homotsukan was built in 1963 as a treasure exhibition hall of Esoteric Arts. To-ji possesses more than 20,000 treasures designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties and more than 50,000 pieces of sutras. Among these, you will find the Ryokai Mandala (Mandala of the Two Realms), a pair of paintings that express the worlds of enlightenment of Esoteric Buddhism, and the Fushincho, a letter written on washi (traditional Japanese paper) by the Monk Kukai. The Homotsukan is open to the public twice a year (see details below). During each opening, a number of treasures are selected according to the theme of the exhibition. On the second floor of the Homotsukan, some important statues can be found, including a statue of Kannon, the bodhisattva of Mercy who saves all people from suffering with her many arms and hands, and a statue of Tobatsubishamon-ten, which was brought from Tang Dynasty China.
Special opening:
March 20 - May 25
September 20 - November 25
Market
Mieku (Kobo-ichi market)
On the 21st of every month.
Garakuta-ichi antique market
On the first Sunday of every month.