Japanese culture manages to meet the high speed, commercialized demands of modern life while respecting the ancient traditions and historical sites of its past. The city of Kyoto is particularly emblematic of this.
Within Kyoto, ancient Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples coexist with modern structures, like shopping centers and public transportation infrastructure. One notable pairing of new and old in Kyoto is To-ji Temple, and Aeon Mall.
In 794, when Kyoto (then Heian-kyō) was declared the capital of Japan, a guardian temple was commissioned on the east and west ends of the city. While western temple, Sai-ji Temple, is in ruins, To-ji Temple is still maintained as a site of historical and spiritual significance.
The grounds of To-ji Temple (literally translated as “East Temple”) are home to Japan’s tallest pagoda and many halls containing statues of important Buddhist figures. The temple is also the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Buddhism (also called Esoteric Buddhism or Tantric Buddhism).
At 187 feet (55 meters) tall, the pagoda was constructed by Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. To-ji Temple was given to Kobo Daishi by Emperor Saga in 823. The pagoda has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times in the past by fires, most recently in 1644.
Another significant building on the temple grounds is Kodo Hall. Inside, 21 Buddhist statues are arranged in the form of a mandala that is said to represent the world of enlightenment. The mandela is a significant piece of symbolism in Shingon Buddhism.
Nearby, Kondo Hall is the largest structure on the temple grounds. Inside are three statues, the positioning of which represents the cosmology of Buddhism.
Those seeking to see the pagoda, Kodo Hall, and Kondo Hall up close must pay 500 yen (about $3 USD) in order to enter.
A less than 10-minute walk away from this significant historical site is Aeon Mall Kyoto, a haven for those looking for souvenirs, clothes or food. The mall also hosts a movie theater and an arcade on the upper floors.
Aeon Co. Ltd. is one of the largest retail companies in Japan, originated in 1758 during the Edo period. The company started out as a small store named Shinohara-ya, and through a series of mergers, became Jusco, before expanding further in 2001 and becoming Aeon. Aeon was the 17th largest retailer in the world in 2001.
Aeon Mall Kyoto is five stories tall. The fifth floor houses the cinema, where some SJMC students watched “Masters of the Universe.”
The fourth floor contains the Bandai Namco Cross Store Kyoto, where guests can play arcade games and collect trinkets from capsule machines. The floor also features hobby shops selling models and rare collectable cards, as well as a food court.
The crowded food court offers many options, including ramen, takoyaki (octopus balls), steak skewers and Subway sandwiches. There are also several dine-in restaurants available on the fourth floor, though guests may have to wait in line to be seated.
The second and third floor offer a well rounded shopping experience, with stores selling clothing, stuffed toys, luggage and even furniture all well within arms reach.
The first floor contains a supermarket where shoppers can find all kinds of food. The supermarket offers both pre-prepared options and ingredients. ATMs are also available on the first floor.
SJMC Japan students were treated to the best of modern and ancient Japan, frequently without too much hassle getting between one or the other. To-ji Temple and Aeon Mall Kyoto being so close to each other is a perfect example of the harmony that can be felt between Japan’s modern way of life and rich history.
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