Tofukuji Temple(東福寺) is the head temple of the Tofukuji School of Rinzai Zen Buddhism.The name Tofukuji Temple was taken from Todaiji Temple and Kofukuji Temple in Nara, one character each.The oldest gate of the Zen temple, Sanmon, is designated as a national treasure.
The Hojo has a south garden (Karesansui Garden), west garden (Ida Ichimatsu), north garden (Koichimatsu), and east garden (Hokuto no Niwa), with different styles of gardens located in the north, south, east, and west.
Tofukuji Temple is one of the most famous places in Kyoto for its autumn foliage, and is visited by many tourists during the foliage season. The view of “Tsutenkyo Bridge” from “Gaun Bridge” is especially spectacular.
To get to Tofukuji Temple from Kyoto Station, take the JR train, which takes about 2 minutes, or a 12-minute walk from Tofukuji Station.
opening hours | 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.※November - early December: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.※9:00-16:00 from early December to the end of March※Admission until 30 minutes before closing time. |
regular closing day | without a holiday |
entrance fee | free※Honbo Garden (Hojo) 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for children ※Tsutenkyo Bridge and Kaisando 600 yen for adults, 300 yen for children (Nov. 9-Dec. 1: 1,000 yen for adults, 500 yen for children) ※Common admission ticket 1,000 yen for adults, 500 yen for children (not available from Nov. 9 to Dec. 8) |
bus stop | City bus Tofukuji bus stop※10 minutes walk from the nearest bus stop |
station | JR / Keihan Tofukuji Station※Approx. 12 minutes walk from the nearest station |
parking lot | Parking available(free) ※Parking prohibited during fall foliage (late October to early December). |
official site | Tofukuji Temple |