Day: October 11, 2022

How to get to Tofukuji Temple

To get to Tofukuji Temple, you can take the Keihan Railway, JR or Kyoto City Bus. For the route from Kyoto Station, transfer to the JR Nara Line and get off at Tofukuji Station. It takes about 10 minutes on foot from the station.

Autumn leaves

About 2,000 maple trees are planted in the precincts of Tofukuji Temple, and the sight of them all changing colors at the same time is fantastically beautiful. Especially, Tsutenkyo Bridge is the most famous spot in Tofukuji Temple where you can appreciate the autumn leaves while crossing the tasteful wooden bridge. It is like walking through a cloud of red leaves, and the temple is usually crowded with visitors every year to enjoy the spectacular view that can only be experienced at Tofuku-ji Temple.

The Sanmon Gate

The Sanmon Gate of Tofukuji Temple was built in 1405 (Oei 12) in the middle of the Muromachi period (1333-1573). There are three types of architectural styles: the traditional Japanese style, the Zen Buddhist style from the early Kamakura period, and the Daibutsu style also found in Todaiji Temple.

The Zendo

The Zendo has been used as a Zen Buddhism dojo since the Nanbokucho Period, and is said to be the oldest and largest Zen dojo still in existence. Because of its historical value, it is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Zazen meditation sessions are still held every Sunday, and you can actually experience the practice of zazen.

The Main Hall

The Main Hall is the main building of Tofukuji Temple and serves as both the Dharma Hall and the Buddha Hall. The main hall is the main building of Tofuku-ji Temple, which also houses the Dharma Hall and the Butsuden. At 25.5 meters high, it is one of the largest wooden buildings of the Showa period and is highly valued in architectural history. The ceiling of the Dharma Hall is decorated with “Soryu (Dragon and Cloud)” by Impression Domoto.

Hojo Garden

Hojo is the residence of the abbot of a Zen temple. There are four gardens located in the east, west, south, west and north, centered around the Hojo, and they are called the “Garden of Eight Phases”, which is compared to the eight phases of the Buddha’s life. The East Garden features the Big Dipper, the South Garden expresses the ancient Chinese idea of “Horai Shinzen”, and the West and North Gardens are decorated with moss and paving stones in a checkered pattern. You can feel the story from each garden.

Tsutenkyo Bridge

Tsutenkyo Bridge is one of the three famous bridges of Tofukuji Temple. It runs through the temple grounds, and connects the main hall with the Kaisando-Hall. It is a covered wooden bridge with a length of about 27 meters and is popular as the most famous spot in Kyoto for its beautifully colored autumn leaves in autumn. 

In autumn, the bridge is one of the most famous spots in Kyoto for its beautiful autumn foliage, and the green maple trees that come alive in the fresh green season are also beautiful and can be enjoyed in any season.

History of Tofukuji Temple

The temple was built over 19 years from 1236 (Katei 2) to 1255 (Kencho 7). The regent at that time, Michi-ie Kujo built the largest temple complex in Kyoto and named it “Tofuku-ji Temple” after Todai-ji Temple and Kofuku-ji Temple which were the most powerful temples in Nara.

Some of the buildings were destroyed by fire several times, but were rebuilt each time. In addition to the many pagodas, the oldest bathhouse in Japan and a latrine called “Toji” still remain, and are valuable materials for understanding the daily life of Zen monks in the Muromachi period (1336-1573).

Overview

Tofukuji Temple is one of the five temples of Kyoto and has 25 temples including Fumonin and Koumyouin. It had the largest temple complex in Kyoto at that time. It holds many national treasures and important cultural assets, and is also home to Tsutenkyo Bridge, famous for its autumnal foliage, and its deep history and scenic beauty are very attractive.