To-ji literally means "Eastern Temple." After Emperor Kammu moved the capital to Heian, he decided that to keep Buddhism from having the influence on the Emperor that it did in Nara, there would only be two Buddhist temples built in Heian. These were To-ji and Sai-ji (Western Temple). Together, they stood on each side of the gate to the city, and served to protect the capital. Sai-ji no longer stands today, but To-ji features the tallest wooden building in Japan; the pagoda is nearly 55 meters tall. It remains a symbol of Kyoto.
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