| Kyoto: Prime Minister Narendra Modi began the second day of his Japan trip by visiting the Toji temple along with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. He stayed at the temple complex for nearly half an hour during which he enquired about the history of the eighth-century Buddhist pagoda.
The Chief Monk Mori took the Prime Minister around the complex having wooden temple including the five-storied main pagoda.
A number of Indians carrying the Tricolour at the temple to meet Modi when he arrived there. He went and shook hands with the excited crowd. Toji Temple is one of Kyoto's many UNESCO world heritage sites.
It stands 57 meters tall, making it the tallest pagoda in Japan, and has become a symbol of both the temple and Kyoto as it can be seen from many places across the city. Monk Hasi, who was also accompanied Modi said, "We are happy that the Prime Minister visited us. It is a matter of pride for our temple. He has a big heart".
Later in the day, Modi is scheduled to meet the Mayor of Kyoto for discussions on the city's heritage preservation program.
On the first day of his trip on Saturday, Modi and Abe signed the first deal - the Kashi-Kyoto agreement which is aimed at using the Kyoto model for developing Modi's constituency Varanasi. The pact is in line with Modi's vision of building 100 smart cities across India. |