Tofuku-ji

We visited on the 2nd January it was quiet but steady. This temple has it all for me. Architecture, History, Beauty and Gardens. It is a contrast to other noisy shrines. I recommend buying the combined ticket to enter the Bridge and Gardens.

Beautiful temple. Very clean and nice. Zen and moss gardens are very beautiful. Do visit if you are near this place. There is an entrance ticket as well.

Entry fee: 1000yen

(Peak autumn season)
A huge garden filled with beautiful reddish momiji leaves during the Autumn season. It felt like I was in a different world when walking along the paths of this majestic place. It was worth every yen I paid for and I would come back here again when I have the chance to do so.

PS - There was an autumn night illumination event for a fixed period of time. The tickets have to be purchased online and in advance. I wanted to visit this place for the autumn night illumination initially, but the tickets were sold out. The ticket cost for that is 3000yen. This information is as of 2023. Please check the official website for the latest update 🤗

The maple leaves at Tofukuji Temple are beautiful. But there were too many people. The connecting Bridge is nothing special. The entrance fee is 1,000 yen.

Easily accessible via JR Nara as it’s just one stop from Kyoto station and a 10m walk. We were lucky with the timing and got to witness the changing autumn colours - 1,000¥ pp to gain access to the garden and bridge for viewing the foliage. You can skip the paid area and still see the foliage from the bridge from the top.

The temple is packed around 11am but it is organized with guards ensuring the flow of foot traffic. Lots of snack stalls inside and outside of the temple if you need to sit and relax!

Tofuku-ji is a serene gem in Kyoto and a wonderful alternative to the crowded hotspots. With its stunning gardens and architecture, it offers a tranquil atmosphere for those looking for a peaceful escape. A must-visit for anyone seeking beauty without the crowds. Don’t forget to bring cash as other payment options are not accepted.

One of the largest temple in Kyoto, no reason to pass this place for foreign tourists, most of the people would be moved by the vast majesty here! No food supply nor drinks inside. Wheelchair user are available.

Is it worth a visit? When you visit Kyoto, first visit this temple. It is an ancient temple built with wooden structures and you would be amazed by the way the architecture.

It is 5 mins walk from the metro station, and as you walk, you get the vibe of temple city of Kyoto… every buildings entrance has a frame made up of wood and welcoming. You can go around, take photos and you need to pay around 1000yen, to walk around inside and the garden.

Inside and garden, you get view of the maple trees turning Colors if you visit late October or November. I visited here last week of October. But felt I should had delayed by 15 days. As many trees were still green… and many had changed too.

You need atleast 1.5 hours to visit this beautiful temple

Very nice temple with excellent views of the fall foliage. November 18 there was a nice mix of red, orange, yellow and some green. Expensive entrance (1000 yen) just for one area (the bridge).

One of the most famous temples in Kyoto. The temple itself is surely beautiful, but what makes this temple especially famous is the view of red leaves autumn. It is amazing to see this old temple with a red carpet made of tons of autumn leaves. You don't want to miss here if you visit Kyoto in autumn.

This is my favorite temple in Kyoto.
If you have time, you can also explore the neighborhood. It has lots of cultural attractions. And they just lie in the residential area, I never see this case in other cities.

A huge complex consisting of many small temples. The size and impressiveness of the huge sammon gate cannot be accurately depicted in photos. The Hojo and gardens were even better than expected. The Tsutenkyo bridge offered a wonderful view of a maple grove and small water way. It was very peaceful and beautiful as the leaves had started to change.

Autumn full bloom on 25 Nov 2023. I love autumn full bloom. How many colours did you see? Red, light red, dark red, brown, yellowish brown, dark brown, green, yellow, orange, orange-red, nature just amazing. See the photo with purple red nature light circle? I was catching the sun shining through 🍁, oh never see any purple circle then, amazing nature. 东福寺 Tofuku-ji is my top place to view most beautiful 🍁 full bloom in Kyoto. Very nice and hence need to pay yen1000. Tomorrow shall go to my number 2 spot 南禅寺. Check out my IG @Kyotoyipeidream

Fall is almost here! Fall colors on the leaves will be in full soon! I know many of you are eying for the perfect time! I am betting its in 1-2 weeks. The leaves are about 60%-75% orange colored so i hope you are not off! This is an update in case it helps you to plan. Here are pictures

It was very nice temple which you should spent
1000yen to get in the red maple trees. I was impressed and love this place the most in Kyoto ☺

Huge temple, lovely in autumn. You can either just go to the Tsutenkyo bridge or get the combined ticket, and visit the garden (sand garden with lovely musk scattered around). It’s probably better to go in the morning, there aren’t as many tourists and you can get awesome pictures of (and on) the bridge.

Tofuku-ji is a prominent Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan, founded in 1236 by the imperial chancellor Kujo Michiie. Renowned for its extensive gardens and iconic Tsutenkyo Bridge, it's a designated national treasure. Tofuku-ji played a crucial role in Japanese history, surviving wars and fires. The complex consists of multiple sub-temples, contributing to its significance in Zen Buddhism and Kyoto's cultural heritage.

I came across this place by surprise on the way to the thousand torii gates and I was very impressed, the price to enter is a bit much but all the gardens are very well maintained and beautiful.

Beautiful temple not too far away from Inari.
The zen garden Is something magical

Just came here because it is close to another temple that we visited. By surprise this is one of the most beautiful temple garden that we visited in Kyoto, also it's not crowded like those popular temples. Really hope to come here again during autumn to see the red leaves.