Map
A grand Zen Buddhist temple boasting Kyoto's most expansive monastic complex. Its autumn foliage is legendary—'the autumn leaves of Tofukuji' are considered the finest in all of Kyoto, and the temple draws enormous crowds during the season.
Temple Info
- Sect
- 臨済宗東福寺派
- Principal Image
- 釈迦如来
- Founded
- 1236年（嘉禎2年）
History & Origins
Founded in 1236 by Kujo Michiie, with the high priest Shoichi Kokushi as its founding abbot. The temple's name combines one character each from the names of Todaiji and Kofukuji temples in Nara. The Sanmon gate, which survives intact, is the oldest of its kind in Japan.
Highlights
The view of autumn foliage from Tsutenkyo Bridge is among the most spectacular in Japan. The Hojo garden (a modern design featuring a geometric checkerboard pattern) and the National Treasure Sanmon gate are also highlights.
Visitor Guide
Arrive early on weekday mornings during peak foliage season (mid to late November) to avoid extreme congestion. A separate admission fee is required for Tsutenkyo Bridge.
Best Season
November for breathtaking autumn foliage. The fresh green maples of early summer are also beautiful.
Annual Events
- 11月
秋の特別拝観
通天橋から望む紅葉の絶景
Related Spots
All →近畿 / 京都府
Tenryuji
The head temple of the Rinzai Zen Tenryuji school, set in the scenic Arashiyama …
近畿 / 京都府
Kiyomizudera
This iconic Kyoto temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the origin of the Jap…
近畿 / 京都府
Fushimi Inari Taisha
The head shrine of approximately 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan, and one of t…
近畿 / 和歌山県
Kongobuji
The head temple of the Shingon school of Esoteric Buddhism, effectively the cent…