A vast Rinzai Zen temple famed for its fiery autumn canopy and wooden bridge views—Tōfuku-ji is Kyoto’s seasonal pilgrimage site.
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
Contact
Plan your trip now with MK Guide.
