Tōfuku-ji Temple, Kinki Kansai Travel Guide

4.4 (9744)

Discover Kyoto's Tōfuku-ji Temple: A Zen sanctuary with stunning gardens, historic architecture, and breathtaking autumn colors.

Home
Travel Guides
Japan
Kinki Kansai
Tōfuku-ji Temple

Tōfuku-ji Temple, founded in 1236, is one of Kyoto's five great Zen temples. Known for its stunning gardens, historic architecture, and vibrant autumn foliage, it offers a serene escape and a glimpse into Zen Buddhism.

A brief summary to Tōfuku-ji Temple

15 Chome-778 Honmachi, Kyoto, 15 Chome Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0981, JP
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 9 am-3:30 pm
Tuesday 9 am-3:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am-3:30 pm
Thursday 9 am-3:30 pm
Friday 9 am-3:30 pm
Saturday 9 am-3:30 pm
Sunday 9 am-3:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tōfuku-ji Temple.

Visit early in the morning, especially during peak seasons like autumn, to avoid large crowds.
Don't miss the Hojo Garden, with its unique gardens on each side.
Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Tofukuji Station for easy access.
Entry to the temple grounds is free, but there are fees for the Hojo and Kaisando.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

KIX Observation Hall Sky View

Tsūtenkaku

Shingonzaka

Aizenzaka

Kuchinawazaka

Explore Tōfuku-ji Temple on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Tōfuku-ji Temple, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to Tōfukuji Station (2 minutes, ¥65-¥95). Alternatively, take Kyoto City Bus 208 from Kyoto Station to Tōfukuji bus stop (15 minutes, ¥230). From Tōfukuji Station or bus stop, it's a 10-minute walk to the temple, following clearly marked signs.
Taxi

From Kyoto Station, a taxi to Tōfuku-ji Temple takes approximately 8 minutes and costs between ¥2,211 and ¥3,100. Taxis are readily available at Kyoto Station. Look for the taxi rank on the north side of the station. Most taxis accept cash, credit cards, and IC cards. There is usually a 200 yen pick-up fee if you book a taxi.
Walking

From Kyoto Station, it is approximately a 20-minute walk to Tōfuku-ji Temple. Head east from the station and follow signs to Tōfuku-ji. Note that the walk is about 1.8km.

Discover more about Tōfuku-ji Temple

Tōfuku-ji Temple, nestled in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, is a remarkable Zen Buddhist temple with a rich history and stunning beauty. Founded in 1236 by the imperial chancellor Kujō Michiie, it was designed to rival the great temples of Nara, Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji, even taking its name from them. The temple is the head temple of the Tofuku-ji School of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.Tōfuku-ji's sprawling complex includes 25 sub-temples and several significant structures. The Sanmon Gate, dating back to 1425, is the oldest Zen gate in Japan and a designated National Treasure. The Hondo (main hall) is a more recent reconstruction from 1934. The Zendo (meditation hall), Tosu (lavatory), and Yokushitsu (bathing room) are rare surviving examples of early Muromachi period Zen architecture.The temple is particularly celebrated for its gardens, designed in 1939 by Mirei Shigemori. The Hojo (Abbot's Quarters) is surrounded by four distinct gardens, each with a unique character, blending traditional Zen principles with modern design. The South Garden features raked gravel and stones symbolizing islands and mountains. The North Garden is known for its checkerboard pattern of stones and moss. The Tsūten-kyō Bridge, a covered walkway, offers breathtaking views of the Sengyokukan Gorge, especially during autumn when the maple trees are ablaze with color.While Tōfuku-ji is a popular destination year-round, it is especially crowded during the autumn foliage season. Visitors can also participate in Zen meditation sessions held at the temple.