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Tofuku-ji Temple

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Tofukuji is an enormous Zen Temple in Kyoto, which is mostly visited in fall, because of its beautiful autumn colors.

It was founded on 1236 after the influential Fujiwara clan. Its name was derived from the combination of two great temples of the old capital Nara, which are associated with the Fujiwara: Todaiji Temple and Kofukuji Temple.

Historically, it has been one of the major Zen temples in Kyoto. Now, it is an attraction during autumn season, especially in Tsutenkyo Bridge. It is also the head temple of the Tofukuji School of the Rinzai Sect of Zen Buddhism.

It also houses four beautiful gardens within its complex, in different style landscapes.

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Things to see

There are several attractions that can be seen in the temple complex. The Sammon gate, designated as a National Treasure, is the oldest Zen main gate in Japan.

Visitors can also explore the meditation hall or Zendo, the lavatory called Tosu, Yokushitsu or the bathing room--which are the surviving structures from the 14th century. The Hondo (main hall), and the Hojo (hear priest's quarters) can also be explored.

There are four beautiful zen gardens in the temple, such as the southern garden, the eastern garden (rock gardens), the western garden (dry-stone garden), and the most coveted of all, the northern garden, with square-cutted stones and moss that is distributed in a chequered pattern.

Travel Notes

Tofukuji can be reached via Tofukuji Station on the JR Nara Line. It can also be accessed via bus, from Kyoto Station by Kyoto City Bus 208. Get-off at Tofukuji bus stop.

Admission

The temple is open all year round, on these schedules:
-9:00 to 16:30 (April to October)
-8:30 to 16:30 (November to early December)
-9:00 to 16:00 (early December to March)
Admission costs 400 yen in Tsutenkyo Bridge and Kaisando Hall, and another 400 yen in Hojo and Gardens.

Guide Map

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