Visiting Tōfuku-ji Temple, a serene space surrounded by maples
Located in the southeast part of the city, Tōfuku-ji Temple offers a quiet and contemplative atmosphere, far from the tourist crowds found at the most famous temples in Kyoto.
A center for Zen since the 13th century
Founded in 1236 by the monk Enni Ben'en, Tōfuku-ji is one of the five great Zen temples of Kyoto. It belongs to the Rinzai school and maintains an active monastic vocation today. Despite several fires over the centuries, many buildings have been reconstructed in accordance with traditional architecture.
You enter the site through the Sanmon, an imposing wooden gate designated as a National Treasure. It sets the tone with its sobriety, verticality, and focus on spirituality. Visitors can also explore the Hondō (main hall) and, most importantly, the gardens, which are meticulously maintained and deeply connected to Zen practice.
The dry gardens of Shigemori Mirei
One of the highlights of Tōfuku-ji is the presence of contemporary gardens designed in the 1930s by Shigemori Mirei, a major figure in modern Japanese landscape art.
Surrounding the Hojo (abbot's residence), four gardens with a highly refined aesthetic blend stones, moss, and raked sand. The most photographed is undoubtedly the southern garden, with its rectangular stone blocks set into a sea of light gravel, bridging the gap between modernity and tradition. Each season gives them a different character, and autumn in particular brings out the best in the landscape.
A popular spot during the momiji season
Tōfuku-ji is one of the most visited sites in Kyoto in mid-November, when the red maples (momiji) set the hills around the temple ablaze. The contrast between the stone, the dark wood of the buildings, and the vibrant colors of the foliage creates a striking visual.
The Tsutenkyo Bridge, which overlooks a wooded valley, attracts dense crowds during this peak period. The rest of the year, foot traffic is much more manageable. That is when you can enjoy the quiet, listen to the birds, or simply sit for a few minutes facing a Zen garden.
Opening hours
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Tōfuku-ji Temple is mostly known for its large Zen garden, which is really popular with visitors. It feels like a giant version of those miniature Zen gardens. Built in the 13th century, it is a Buddhist temple of the Rinzai school, appreciated for its magnificent autumn colors. Take advantage of a visit to the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto to explore it. Only go check it out if you have the time and you won't have other chances to see Zen gardens in Japan.