Tofuku-ji Temple
東福寺
Celebrated autumn foliage temple with over 2,000 maple trees filling the Sengokukan valley. One of Kyoto's Five Great Zen Temples, founded in 1236. Features Japan's oldest and largest Sanmon gate (National Treasure, 1425). The wooden Tsutenkyo Bridge offers panoramic views across the forested ravine.
Key Architectural & Sacred Highlights
- Tsutenkyo Bridge view over valley of 2,000+ maples (iconic autumn photo)
- Four different Zen gardens at Hojo (North, South, East, West - each unique)
- Sanmon gate - Japan's oldest and largest (1425, National Treasure)
- Kaisando Hall with beautiful moss garden
- Best autumn foliage in all of Kyoto
- Engetsukyo Bridge (free area, also beautiful in autumn)
📍 How to Get There
Nearest Station
Tofukuji Station (JR Nara Line / Keihan Line) - 10 minutes walk
Step-by-Step Directions
- 1 From Kyoto Station: JR Nara Line to Tofukuji (2 minutes, 150 yen)
- 2 From Keihan Railway: Tofukuji Station
- 3 From station: 10 minute walk following signs through residential area
- 4 Peak autumn (mid-Nov to early Dec): Arrive before 9 AM opening or face 1-2 hour queues
Location & Maps
🗺️ Interactive map - zoom and pan to explore
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
34.97681 135.773773 💡 Tip: "View Location" shows the temple on the map. "Get Directions" navigates from your current position.
Best Time to Visit
Mid to late November for peak autumn colors - absolutely spectacular but extremely crowded. Arrive before 8:30 AM opening. Spring and summer peaceful with greenery. Early December still good with fewer crowds.
Contact & Info
15-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0981
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Nearby Temples & Shrines
These sacred sites are closest to Tofuku-ji Temple and easy to combine in a single visit.
Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine
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Free admission (donations welcome) · 2-3 hours for full summit hike (4km), 1 hour for lower shrine area only, 45 minutes for just Senbon Torii section
Sanjusangendo Temple
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600 yen adults, 400 yen junior high/high school, 300 yen children · 45 minutes to 1 hour (allow time to appreciate each statue section)
Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
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Free admission · 30-45 minutes
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
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400 yen adults, 200 yen children (elementary/junior high) · 1.5-2 hours including temple, Jishu Shrine, and approach streets (Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka)
Ryozen Kannon Temple
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300 yen · 20-30 minutes
Entoku-in Temple
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500 yen (combo with Kodai-ji: 900 yen) · 30 minutes (longer during illuminations)