Visit Japan Web Tofukuji
Visit Japan Web invites you to explore Tofukuji, a significant Zen temple located in southeastern Kyoto. It is renowned for its stunning autumn foliage. Established in 1236 by the influential Fujiwara clan, the temple’s name derives from two prominent temples in Nara associated with the Fujiwara: Todaiji Temple and Kofukuji Temple. Tofukuji has been a leading Zen temple in Kyoto. Is also serves as the head temple of its own school within the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.
During the autumn season, visitors come from all corners of Japan to admire Tofukuji’s vibrant autumn colors. The most sought-after view is of the Tsutenkyo Bridge, which stretches across a valley of lush maple trees. The view from the bridge is equally magnificent. The 100-meter-long covered walkway becomes extremely crowded around mid to late November.
Tofukuji’s temple grounds consist of several areas that are open to the public, including the vicinity around some of its largest and most impressive structures. The Sanmon Gate, standing at 22 meters tall, is the oldest Zen gate of its kind, dating back to 1425. Behind the gate lies the Hondo (main hall), which is even larger but is a recent reconstruction from 1934.
The Hojo, the former living quarters of the head priest, is one of Tofukuji’s two paid areas. Rock gardens were traditionally constructed alongside hojo buildings, but the gardens at Tofukuji’s Hojo are distinctive for enveloping the building on all sides. Each garden possesses a unique character, incorporating pebbles, large rocks, moss, trees as well as checkered patterns. The Hojo was most recently reconstructed in 1890. The gardens are relatively modern creations from the late 1930s.
