Toji (東寺) (Kyoto, Japan)

This Buddhist temple was just a short bike ride away from our hostel. Built in 796, it is formally known as Kyō-ō-gokoku-ji (教王護国寺, The Temple for the Defense of the Nation by Means of the King of Doctrines) as it previously functioned as a temple providing protection for the nation. The temple's principal image is of the Medicine Buddha. The pagoda of Tō-ji stands 54.8 m high, and is the tallest wooden tower in Japan.