b) Description and inventory

C. Kyo-o-gokoku-ji Kyo-o-gokoku-ji was established in 796 as one of two imperial temples (To-ji and Sai-ji, literally "Eastern" and "Western" Buddhist temples) built for the protection of the nation upon the foundation of the Heian Capital. The two temples were built on either side of the Rajomon (the south gate of the city with To-ji on the east and Sai-ji on the west). Because Kyo-o-gokoku-ji retains its original Heian Period location and scale, it is an important landmark which helps orient us to the layout and scale of Heian-kyo. In 823, the Emperor granted Kyo-o-gokoku-ji to the priest Kobo-daishi (or Kukai) and this temple became a temple of the Shingon Sect, a sect of esoteric Buddhism (mikkyo). The Buddhist buildings at Kyo-o-gokoku-ji consist of the Minami-daimon (south gate), Chumon (middle gate), Kondo (main hall), Kodo (lecture hall), Jikido (refectory) and Kita-daimon (north gate), all arranged on a south-to-north axis. However, the Chumon as well as the Kairo (the semi-enclosed roofed corridor which connected the buildings) were both destroyed in 1486. The five-storied pagoda (Gojunoto) was built to the east of the Chumon. The Kanjoin (Kanjo ceremony hall), constructed west of the Chumon, is a good example of an esoteric Buddhist structure. Although a number of buildings were destroyed several times by wars and fires, they were rebuilt on each occasion under the patronage of the government of the time. Therefore, although some buildings have been lost, Kyo-o-gokoku-ji maintains its original form, size and configuration, and has continued the use of traditional construction techniques. In 1940, the Kondo was dismantled and repaired. Between 1953 and 1958 the Kodo, Minami-daimon, Daishido, Hozo (treasure storehouse), and Kanjoin were totally dismantled and repaired. Furthermore, the Keigamon (gate) and Kita-daimon were dismantled and repaired in 1990 and 1992, respectively. In addition to the 4 buildings that are designated as National Treasures, namely the Kondo, Gojunoto, Daishido, and Rengemon, Kyo-o-gokoku-ji has 10 buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties. These include : the Kodo (C10, 1491), in which are installed 21 Buddhist statues arranged according to the Buddhist mandala (the world of Buddha), the Kanjoin (C11, 1634), built exclusively to hold an important esoteric Buddhist ceremony called the "Denpo kanjo", and the Hozo (C9), built in the azekura style, which is an ancient Japanese architectural style for storehouses. The Kondo (C1) (main hall), first built in 796, burned down in 1486 and was reconstructed in 1603. The reconstructed Kondo, built with a hipped-gable style tiled roof, is a typical building of the grandiose style of the Momoyama Period. The Gojunoto (C2), first built in 826, burned down four times - in 888, 1055, 1563 and 1635. The existing Gojunoto was reconstructed in 1644 following the old style common at the time of its original construction. With a height of 57m, it is the tallest existing Gojunoto (five-storied pagoda) in Japan, and is truly one of the symbols of Kyoto. The Daishido (C3), built as the residence of Kobo-daishi, burned down in 1379 but was reconstructed in 1380. In 1390, the raido (space for worship), which enshrines the image of Kobo-daishi, and new corridors were added to the building, completing the present building form. It inherits the tradition of the shinden style (shinden-zukuri), the residential style of the aristocracy during the Heian Period. The softly curved roof made of cypress bark shingles demonstrates the elegant configuration of that style. The Rengemon (C4), which serve as the west gate was built in 796, and it was reconstructed in the late 12th century. It exists in its 12th century form today.

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