Author: masamiyake

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.

mountain tour

About 10,000 torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha continue to the summit of Mt. Inari.

Touring all the routes to the summit is called “mountain tour”.

If you go around the mountain slowly, it will take about 3 hours.

When you climb near the summit, you can see the wonderful cityscape of Kyoto.

Mountain tour is also popular with foreigners, and on weekdays there are more foreign tourists than Japanese.

Omokaru Stone

After passing through the Senbon Torii gate, you will find “Omokaru Stone”.

Two lanterns are lined up, and “Omokaru Stones” are placed on top of the lanterns.

After thinking about your wishes in front of the lantern, lift the stone.

When you lift a stone, if you feel that the stone is lighter than you imagined, your wish will come true, and if you feel that the stone is heavier than you imagined, your wish will not come true.

Senbon torii

Fushimi Inari Taisha is famous for its Senbon torii.

Since the Edo period, the torii gate has been built by the dedication of worshipers because it was said that the wish would come true if the torii gate was dedicated.

Large vermilion torii gates are lined up all over the precincts, and there are about 10,000 torii gates in Mt. Inari.

Depending on the size of the torii, the price ranges from 200,000 yen to over 1 million yen, and even ordinary people can dedicate the torii.