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
Yakiniku Hiro - Kyoto Tower Sando
Casual wagyu skewer shop under Kyoto Tower, serving chef-selected beef cuts in a stylish food-court setting.
Manshige Shoan - Kyoto Porta
A casual outpost of the esteemed Manshige, serving refined Kyoto cuisine and seasonal bento in Porta’s underground mall.
Sake to Sakana to Otokomae Shokudo
A lively seafood izakaya steps from Kyoto Station, serving bold sashimi platters and regional sake until midnight.
Ichizen
In a refurbished machiya near Kyoto Station, Ichizen offers kappo-style dining paired with regional sake.
Seppourai
A polished Kyoto-station izakaya tucked beside Kyoto Theater, serving seasonal Kyoto-vegetable obanzai and creative dishes in multiple private and semi-private rooms.