Tofuku-ji Temple is a major head temple of the Tofuku-ji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. It is renowned for its spectacular autumn foliage and its important role in preserving the Zen Buddhist culture of the Kamakura (1185–1333) and Muromachi (1336–1573) periods.
Tofuku-ji was ranked fourth among Kyoto’s Five Great Zen Temples, a prestigious group established during the Muromachi period following the construction of Shokoku-ji Temple by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.
Tofuku-ji once boasted one of Japan’s oldest and largest temple complexes. Its magnificent architecture earned it the nickname “Tofuku-ji, the Temple of Grand Halls.” However, repeated fires caused by warfare and accidental outbreaks destroyed many of its original buildings. The temple was rebuilt on several occasions, preserving its historical and religious significance through the centuries.
The extensive temple grounds feature numerous attractions, including the Sanmon Gate, designated a National Treasure of Japan, and the gardens of the Hojo, the former residence of the head priest. The Hojo gardens are particularly famous for their striking checkerboard patterns created by moss and stone paving.
Several other important structures designated as Important Cultural Properties remain on the grounds, including the temple bathhouse, the Toshi (a historic toilet facility), and the Zen meditation hall. These buildings provide valuable insight into the daily lives and practices of Zen monks during the Muromachi period.
Tofuku-ji also preserves more than 5,000 cultural treasures, including the National Treasure portrait of the Chinese Zen master Wuzhun Shifan, painted on silk.
Tofuku-ji is one of Kyoto’s most celebrated destinations for viewing autumn leaves. During the fall season, the temple grounds are transformed by brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold.
One of the most famous viewpoints is Tsutenkyo Bridge, which overlooks a valley filled with maple trees. Visitors can admire the distinctive three-lobed leaves known as Tsuten Momiji, a special feature of the temple’s autumn scenery. The bridge offers an unforgettable panorama, making Tofuku-ji a particularly popular destination during the autumn foliage season.
Tofuku-ji is located at 15-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.
Access by train: From Tofukuji Station on the JR Nara Line or Keihan Main Line, walk approximately 10 minutes southeast to reach the temple.
Access by bus: Take Kyoto City Bus No. 202, 207, or 208 and get off at the Tofukuji bus stop.
Access by car: The temple is approximately 4 km from Kyoto-Minami Interchange, 7 km from Kyoto-Higashi Interchange, and 1 km from an interchange on the Hanshin Expressway Kyoto Route No. 8.
Please note that the parking lot is closed during the autumn foliage season, from late October to early December.
From April to the end of October
9:00 - 16:00 (Last admission at 16:00) *The gate closes at 16:30.
November - early December
8:30 - 16:00 (Last admission at 16:00) *The gate closes at 16:30.
From early December to the end of March
9:00 - 15:30 (Last admission at 15:30) *The gate closes at 16:00.
Open all year round
Tutenkyo Bridge and Kaisando-Hall
400 yen (300 yen for elementary and junior high school students)
Tofukuji Honbo Garden (Designated by the national government as a place of scenic beauty)
400 yen (300 yen for elementary and junior high school students)
By train or bus
Take the JR Nara Line or Keihan Line, get off at Tofukuji Station, and walk southeast for 10 minutes.
Take city bus No. 202, 207, or 208 and get off at Tofukuji bus stop.
By car
Approximately 4 km from the Kyoto Minami IC of the Meishin Expressway.
Approximately 7 km from the Kyoto Higashi IC of the Meishin Expressway
Approx. 1 km from the Hanshin Expressway No. 8 Kyoto Line Interchange
*Parking lot is closed from late October to early December during the fall foliage season.