Tofuku-ji Temple

The basics

Various temples, halls, and other structures comprise the Tofuku-ji Temple grounds, including the long, covered Tsutenkyo Bridge, the 15th-century Sanmon Gate, the 20th-century reconstruction of the main hall, the Kaisando Hall mausoleum, a pond, and gardens. Various architectural styles are represented, including the Muromachi period (14th-16th centuries) and the Edo period (17th-19th centuries). Many of the original buildings have been burned over the centuries, but most have been rebuilt following original designs.

Many travelers visit Tofuku-ji independently. It also features on several culture and sightseeing tours of Kyoto on foot, by bike, or other means of transport. Other sites visited on such tours include the Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple, Kiyomizudera, and the streets of Gion.

Things to know before you go

• Parts of the temple complex are free to enter, while others are ticketed.
• Apart from the busy autumn season, Tofuku-ji is generally one of Kyoto’s less crowded temples.
• Some paths are uneven and wheelchair users may require assistance, but there are wheelchair-accessible toilets.

How to get there

Located in southeastern Kyoto, Tofuku-ji is easy to reach by train. It’s a 10-minute walk from two side-by-side Tofukuji Stations, served by the JR Nara line and Keihan Main Line. The temple is also a 10-minute walk from Tofukuji bus stop, reached on the 208 bus from Kyoto Station, and also accessible on foot, being about a mile (2 kilometers) from Kyoto Station.

When to get there

The temple is open every day, but hours change by season. The fall is a particularly dramatic time to visit. The red, orange, and yellow leaves of the Japanese maple trees surrounding the temple are a beautiful sight and an attractive photo subject. The temple gets especially busy during this season though, especially mid to late November, so be prepared for crowds.

Fushimi-Momoyama Castle

There are so many beautiful ancient buildings in Kyoto that most visitors don’t have time to see them all. Focusing on certain areas of the city is a good way to see a lot without being overwhelmed. The Fushimi-Momoyama Castle is near Tofuku-ji and can easily be visited on the same day. Built for warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 1590s, it’s surrounded by plum trees, which look spectacular in spring.