東福寺
Tōfuku-ji Temple
A vast Rinzai Zen temple famed for its fiery autumn canopy and wooden bridge views—Tōfuku-ji is Kyoto’s seasonal pilgrimage site.
Attractions
Temple, Cultural Heritage, Zen Temple, Historic Architecture
MK Guide Recommends
Founded in 1236 and modeled after the great Nara temples, Tōfuku-ji is one of Kyoto’s Five Great Zen Temples and a masterpiece of spatial rhythm and natural framing. Visitors pass through Japan’s oldest Zen sanmon gate before entering a vast precinct of temples, gardens, and subtemples. The temple’s highlight is the Tsutenkyō Bridge, which spans a ravine lined with over 2,000 maple trees—turning crimson in November and drawing photographers and pilgrims alike. The Hojo gardens, redesigned in the 20th century by Shigemori Mirei, blend rock, moss, and modern geometry. Despite its size, the complex allows for moments of quiet awe, particularly outside peak hours. Tōfuku-ji is not just a fall favorite—it’s a living rhythm of Zen devotion and design.
Facilities & Services
Historic Zen gardens and wooden bridge views
Japan’s oldest surviving sanmon (Zen gate)
Seasonal foliage, especially in autumn
Subtemples including Kōmyō-in and Ryogin-an
Short walk from Tofuku-ji Station
Kanchi-in Temple
A hidden scholarly sanctuary within Tō-ji’s shadow—Kanchi-in preserves the intellectual heart of Shingon Buddhism and Kyoto’s medieval past.
Tōfuku-ji Temple
A vast Rinzai Zen temple famed for its fiery autumn canopy and wooden bridge views—Tōfuku-ji is Kyoto’s seasonal pilgrimage site.
Kōmyō-in Temple
A tranquil subtemple of Tofuku-ji, Kōmyō-in is a study in stillness—where a single raked stone garden captures the essence of Zen.
Genkō-an
A Rinzai Zen temple known for its “Window of Enlightenment” and “Window of Delusion”—Genkō-an turns architecture into meditation.
Hōrin-ji
A quiet hillside temple above the Katsura River—Hōrin-ji offers sweeping views, esoteric depth, and a contemplative escape from the crowds below.