東寺（教王護国寺） – 英語で説明するために – 英会話形式で学ぶ

Hey Key, I’ve been planning a trip to Kyoto and heard about a place called To-ji. Do you know much about it?

Kind of. I like places with deep history. What makes To-ji special?

Kobo Daishi? That name sounds familiar. He’s an important figure in Buddhism, right?

That’s fascinating. Does the temple have any unique features?

That must be impressive. Is it open to visitors?

Sounds like a photographer’s dream. What else is there to see?

A three-dimensional mandala? That sounds unique.

So it’s not just about history but also about spiritual significance.

That sounds like so much fun! Is it easy to get there?

Perfect. What’s the best time of year to visit?

I’m definitely adding To-ji to my list. Thanks, Key. You’ve really got me excited about this!

Introduction to To-ji Temple
To-ji Temple, officially called Kyo-o Gokoku-ji, is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, Japan. It was built in 796 during the Heian period when Kyoto became the capital of Japan. To-ji means “East Temple,” as it was part of two temples that protected the eastern and western sides of the city. It is the only state-sponsored temple from that time that still exists today. In 1994, To-ji was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”

The Connection with Kobo Daishi
In 823, Emperor Saga entrusted To-ji Temple to Kobo Daishi, also known as Kukai. He was the founder of Shingon Buddhism and played a major role in bringing Esoteric Buddhism to Japan after studying in China. Under Kobo Daishi’s leadership, To-ji became the main training center for Shingon Buddhism. His influence can still be felt at the temple today, making it an important spiritual and cultural site.

Key Features of To-ji Temple
To-ji is known for its stunning architecture and cultural treasures. The five-story pagoda is the most famous structure at the temple. Standing at 54.8 meters, it is the tallest wooden pagoda in Kyoto and one of the tallest in Japan. Another highlight is the Lecture Hall, which features a three-dimensional mandala of 21 statues. These statues represent the Buddhist cosmos and the teachings of Shingon Buddhism. The Main Hall (Kondo) houses a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha. Visitors can also see the Mieido Hall, where Kobo Daishi once lived.

Seasonal Beauty and Events
To-ji Temple is beautiful in every season. In spring, cherry blossoms surround the pagoda, creating a stunning view. In autumn, the colorful leaves make the temple even more attractive. During these seasons, the temple holds light-up events, which allow visitors to enjoy the scenery at night. On the 21st of each month, To-ji hosts the Kobo Market, a lively event where visitors can buy antiques, crafts, and local food.

Conclusion
To-ji Temple is a place of history, culture, and spirituality. It offers something for everyone, whether you are interested in architecture, Buddhist teachings, or beautiful scenery. Located just a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station, it is easy to visit and a must-see destination in Kyoto.

Hey Key, I’ve been planning a trip to Kyoto and heard about a place called To-ji. Do you know much about it?

やあ、キー。京都旅行を計画しているんだけど、東寺という場所を聞いたんだ。どれくらい知ってる？

Kind of. I like places with deep history. What makes To-ji special?

まあね。歴史の深い場所が好きなんだ。東寺の特別なところって何？

Kobo Daishi? That name sounds familiar. He’s an important figure in Buddhism, right?

弘法大師？その名前は聞いたことがあるよ。仏教で重要な人物だよね？

That’s fascinating. Does the temple have any unique features?

興味深いな。その寺院には何か独特な特徴があるの？

That must be impressive. Is it open to visitors?

それはすごいね。訪問者は中に入れるの？

Sounds like a photographer’s dream. What else is there to see?

写真家にとっては夢のようだね。他に何が見られる？

A three-dimensional mandala? That sounds unique.

立体曼荼羅？それは独特だね。

So it’s not just about history but also about spiritual significance.

歴史だけじゃなくて、精神的な意味もあるんだね。

That sounds like so much fun! Is it easy to get there?

すごく楽しそうだね！行くのは簡単？

Perfect. What’s the best time of year to visit?

最高だね。一年でいつ行くのがベスト？

I’m definitely adding To-ji to my list. Thanks, Key. You’ve really got me excited about this!

東寺をリストに追加するよ。ありがとう、キー。本当にワクワクしてきた！

Introduction to To-ji Temple
To-ji Temple, officially called Kyo-o Gokoku-ji, is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, Japan. It was built in 796 during the Heian period when Kyoto became the capital of Japan. To-ji means “East Temple,” as it was part of two temples that protected the eastern and western sides of the city. It is the only state-sponsored temple from that time that still exists today. In 1994, To-ji was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”

東寺について
東寺（正式名称: 教王護国寺）は、日本の京都で最も有名な寺院の一つです。東寺は、796年、平安時代に京都が日本の都になったときに建てられました。「東寺」という名前は、「東の寺」を意味し、市の東西を守る二つの寺の一つだったことに由来します。当時の官寺として建てられた寺院の中で、現在も残っているのは東寺だけです。1994年、東寺は「古都京都の文化財」としてユネスコの世界遺産に登録されました。

The Connection with Kobo Daishi
In 823, Emperor Saga entrusted To-ji Temple to Kobo Daishi, also known as Kukai. He was the founder of Shingon Buddhism and played a major role in bringing Esoteric Buddhism to Japan after studying in China. Under Kobo Daishi’s leadership, To-ji became the main training center for Shingon Buddhism. His influence can still be felt at the temple today, making it an important spiritual and cultural site.

弘法大師との関係
823年、嵯峨天皇は東寺を弘法大師（空海）に託しました。弘法大師は真言宗の創始者であり、中国で密教を学んだ後、日本に伝えた重要な人物です。弘法大師の指導の下、東寺は真言密教の主要な修行道場となりました。その影響は現在でも感じられ、東寺は精神的・文化的に重要な場所となっています。

Key Features of To-ji Temple
To-ji is known for its stunning architecture and cultural treasures. The five-story pagoda is the most famous structure at the temple. Standing at 54.8 meters, it is the tallest wooden pagoda in Kyoto and one of the tallest in Japan. Another highlight is the Lecture Hall, which features a three-dimensional mandala of 21 statues. These statues represent the Buddhist cosmos and the teachings of Shingon Buddhism. The Main Hall (Kondo) houses a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha. Visitors can also see the Mieido Hall, where Kobo Daishi once lived.

東寺の主な特徴
東寺は、その美しい建築と文化財で知られています。最も有名なのは五重塔で、高さ54.8メートルの京都で最も高い木造の塔であり、日本でも有数の高さを誇ります。また、講堂も見どころの一つで、21体の仏像が配置された立体曼荼羅があります。これらの仏像は、仏教の宇宙観と真言密教の教えを表現しています。本堂（金堂）には薬師如来（薬師仏）の像が安置されており、御影堂では弘法大師が住んでいた場所を訪れることができます。

Seasonal Beauty and Events
To-ji Temple is beautiful in every season. In spring, cherry blossoms surround the pagoda, creating a stunning view. In autumn, the colorful leaves make the temple even more attractive. During these seasons, the temple holds light-up events, which allow visitors to enjoy the scenery at night. On the 21st of each month, To-ji hosts the Kobo Market, a lively event where visitors can buy antiques, crafts, and local food.

季節ごとの美しさとイベント
東寺は四季を通じて美しい景観を楽しむことができます。春には五重塔の周りに桜が咲き、見事な風景を作り出します。秋には色鮮やかな紅葉が寺院の魅力をさらに引き立てます。これらの季節にはライトアップイベントも行われ、夜の景色を楽しむことができます。また、毎月21日には「弘法市」が開かれ、骨董品や工芸品、地元の食べ物を買うことができる賑やかなイベントが開催されます。

Conclusion
To-ji Temple is a place of history, culture, and spirituality. It offers something for everyone, whether you are interested in architecture, Buddhist teachings, or beautiful scenery. Located just a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station, it is easy to visit and a must-see destination in Kyoto.

結論
東寺は、歴史、文化、そして精神性を感じられる場所です。建築、仏教の教え、美しい景色のいずれに興味がある人でも楽しめる要素があります。京都駅から徒歩15分というアクセスの良さもあり、京都を訪れるならぜひ足を運びたい観光地です。