What other travelers are saying about Tofuku-ji Temple
4-nov-25 :
After the chaos of Kiyomizu-dera, I decided to take a quiet detour to Tofuku-ji, it was the right call. I arrived around 4 PM after taking a bus, then followed the temple signage through a calm residential neighborhood.
The walk itself was part of the experience. peaceful, neighborly, and very traditional Japan, with small temples and beautiful scenery along the way. It’s about a 15-minute walk, and once you reach the gate, the scale and magnificence of the temple really hit you.
There weren’t many people around, so the atmosphere felt calm and almost meditative. Quiet, beautiful, and grounding. An amazing place to slow down and just be.
It was early autumn when I visited, and the temple grounds were already filled with green-yellow momiji trees—such a beautiful, gentle sight. I can only imagine how stunning it must be during peak autumn when the leaves turn deep red.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to explore all the temple buildings since it closes right at 5 PM. I really wish I had more time to visit the main hall and see the famous dragon painting. When I return to Kyoto, this place is absolutely worth a second visit.
Depart from Kyoto Station and board either the JR Nara Line or the Keihan Line, alighting at Tofukuji Station. From the station, Tofuku-ji Temple is a brief 10-minute walk away.
Allocating approximately 1.5 hours should suffice to explore a temple section comprehensively. For those keen on delving into the Hojo, consider dedicating an additional hour to appreciate its intricacies fully.
In 1236, the esteemed statesman Kujo Michiie founded Tofuku-ji Temple, driven to elevate his family's prestige by creating a temple to match the grandeur of Nara's iconic Todaiji and Kofukuji.
Tofuku-ji Temple is a premier destination for spiritual exploration in Japan, celebrated for its stunning architecture and picturesque natural surroundings. Conveniently situated a short walk from Kyoto Station, this temple complex is a perfect historical site for visitors to explore.
In 1236, Tōfuku-ji Temple was established by the imperial chancellor, Kujō Michiie, who named Enni, a monk well-versed in Rinzai Zen Buddhism under the tutelage of Wuzhun Shifan in China, as the temple's founding priest. The temple was meticulously restored in the 15th century despite being devastated by fire, adhering closely to its original designs.
This temple is very beautiful during momiji season and is very easy to acces by the JR line its inly one stop away krom Kyoto station or if you're coming from Inari station. You can also walk for 20minutes plus from Fushimi Inari Taisha to this area if you want. I went at the end of momiji season there was red leaves here and there but most have fallen already which is a bit sad. But in some are or photo spots you can still get some good momiji photos. As many other Kyoto temples there are a lot of steps, slopes and hill so be aware of that. I love the corridor view with momiji leaves in the background especially, it was such an iconic photos of this temple. I would recommend people to pay this a visit during momiji season especially just enjoy the view and be aware of the crowd.
We explored the grounds here in the early morning, that golden window before the tour buses arrive and before Kyoto turns into a polite but relentless game of human pinball. Highly recommend. This is a temple that rewards restraint: fewer people, slower steps, more noticing.
The famous covered walkways felt almost monastic at that hour: long wooden corridors creaking softly underfoot, framing views of a mossy ravine and a thin ribbon of water below. In summer, the maples are a deep, confident green. No fireworks, no fall foliage hype. Just calm competence. Kyoto, unflexing.
Near one of the side gates, we came across a tiny sub-temple we weren’t allowed to enter (classic Kyoto move). At the gate sat a row of stone Jizō statues, each wearing a straw hat and fronted by bright sunflowers. No explanation. No sign. Just six stone monks dressed for summer like they were about to head out for iced coffee. It felt oddly intimate...like stumbling into a moment not meant for you, but generously left visible anyway.
The main halls are imposing without being showy, the grounds expansive without feeling manicured to death. This is Zen architecture at scale... less “Instagram moment,” more “walk it off and think.”
Skip the crowds of Kiyomizu and come here. This is a beautiful temple where you can actually feel some peace and calm because it isn't packed shoulder to shoulder. The rock garden is very serene and there are people just sitting and meditating in the beauty. We missed the color change by maybe a few weeks but this place would be spectacular when colors change. It is packed with maples.
This temple is very easy to get to as it is just one stop away from Kyoto Station on the JR Nara Line.
Tofukuji is famous for its spectacular autumn colors. The most popular view is Tsutenkyo Bridge, which spans a valley of lush maple trees. The view from the bridge is spectacular, and 100 meter long, covered walkway becomes extremely crowded when the colors reach their peak, usually around mid to late Nov.
It is best to visit in the early morning to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Opening Hours: 08.30-16.00 (Nov to early Dec)
Admission Fees: 400 Yen (Hojo and the Kaisando)
