Oct 10, 2013 - 1 min read

Autumn at Tōfuku-ji

One of the 5 great Zen temples of Kyoto

By Stacey Lin

Community writer

The view we came for - Tsutenkyo Bridge.

A gentle stream peaks through the trees.

A converging stream of cameras and fleece jackets.

Leaves as warm as a dragon's waking breath.

A moment of reflection in the bustling temple.

An early-bloomer emerges above the crowd.

In memory of the temple's first head priest - Kaisendo Hall.

The lush pond garden in front of Kaisendo Hall.

Notice

Jorakuan Guest Hall (Fumon-in) and Tojiryo (Shoin), next to Kaisando Hall, are undergoing preservation/repair work until October 2025.

Latest on Tofukuji Temple

Tofuku-ji is one of the Five Great Temples of Kyoto. It is an easy 10 min walk from Tofuku-ji Station on the JR Nara - Keihan Line. You walk through a quiet and beautiful residential area before reaching the temple. There are numerous buildings and gardens in the complex. The gardens vary in style from stone gardens to moss and checkerboards. Certain areas are paid entry: the Tsutenkyo bridge/Kaisendo Hall and the Hojo garden for 400 yen each. The most renowned view is of and from the Tsutenkyo bridge which can become extremely crowded during the autumn momiji viewing season. Despite the large number of visitors at peak seasons, this is one of the best temples to visit in Kyoto for a Zen experience.