Japan | Kyoto | Tofukuji Temple

📍Address 〒605-0981 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Higashiyama Ward, Honmachi 15-chome 778 👉 Tofukuji Temple is one of Kyoto's Five Great Zen Temples, founded in 1236 by Regent Kujo Michie. It is one of the largest Zen temples in Kyoto and is renowned for the stunning autumn foliage views from the Tsutenkyo Bridge, making it one of the most popular spots for autumn leaf viewing. ⸻ 🕒Opening Hours • April–October: 09:00–16:30 (Last entry at 16:00) • November (Autumn foliage season): 08:30–16:30 (Last entry at 16:00) • December–March: 09:00–16:00 (Last entry at 15:30) • Certain halls, such as Tsutenkyo Bridge and Kaisando Hall, require tickets for entry 📌Ticket Information • Tsutenkyo Bridge + Kaisando Hall: Adults 600 yen • Hojo Garden: Adults 500 yen • Combo tickets or seasonal event tickets are subject to onsite announcements ⸻ 🚍Transportation ✅ From Kyoto Station: 1. 🚆 JR Nara Line: • Take the train to "Tofukuji Station" and walk about 10 minutes • Fast and direct, highly recommended 2. 🚇 Keihan Railway: • Take the train to "Tofukuji Station" or "Tobakaido Station" and walk about 10–15 minutes • Suitable for those departing from Gion or Kiyomizu-Gojo areas 3. 🚌 Bus: • Take city buses 202, 207, or 208 to "Tofukuji Station-mae" and walk about 10 minutes ⸻ ✅Reasons to Visit • "Tsutenkyo Bridge" spans over a valley, offering layers of autumn foliage, making it one of Kyoto's most iconic autumn views • Hojo Garden, designed by renowned landscape artist Mirei Shigemori, combines Zen aesthetics with modernity, a masterpiece of dry landscape gardens • The temple blends Chinese Song Dynasty styles with Japanese Zen architecture, representing Kyoto's ancient temple architecture • Beauty in all seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, autumn leaves, and snow in winter, a haven for photographers and tranquil travelers • Quiet environment with fewer visitors compared to Kiyomizu Temple or Kinkakuji Temple, ideal for avoiding crowds and enjoying Kyoto's Zen atmosphere ⸻ 📌Recommended Follow-up Itinerary Suggested route for "Kyoto Southern Ancient Temple Cultural Line": 1. Fushimi Inari Taisha (1 JR stop or about 20 minutes on foot) • Iconic thousand torii gates and hiking trails, best visited early morning or before sunset 2. Sennyuji Temple (15-minute walk) • Imperial family’s temple, grand scale, fewer crowds, combining history and tranquility 3. Toji Temple (return to Kyoto Station via JR or bus) • UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its five-story pagoda and moonlit cherry blossoms 4. Kyoto Station Underground Mall or Isetan Department Store (end of itinerary) • Comprehensive shopping, dining, and souvenirs, convenient for return trip