Eastern

Tofuku-ji Temple – Head Temple of Rinzai Sect

Highlight
A scene from the treasure hall where many ancient paintings and writings are on display

Treasures that have survived repeated fires to reach us today

This temple was founded by the imperial advisor Michiie Kujo, who opened it as his family temple in 1236, spending 19 years building Tofuku-ji, to create the biggest temple in Kyoto. However, over the ensuing century, in 1319, 1334 and 1336, most of the halls were burned down in blazes. It was fully restored in 1346, becoming the largest Zen temple in Kyoto. Nevertheless, several of the halls were burnt down again in 1881 and have been restored one by one during the 20th century.
Yet, through all of this adversity, the temple still boasts the oldest sanmon, or triple main gate, (National Treasure) in Japan as well as the Zendo (meditation hall) and Yokushitsu (bathing room) that have survived since early in the 14th century and are both Important Cultural Properties. The Komyo Hoden is home to more than 5,000 cultural assets related to Tofuku-ji and its sub temples. These include a painting of the Chinese monk Wuzhun Shifan (National Treasure) and the statue of Amida Nyorai (Important Cultural Property). And, this treasure hall is opened for a special exhibition on varied occasions.

photoSeated statue of Amida Nyorai (Important Cultural Property)

Seated statue of Amida Nyorai (Important Cultural Property)

photoMain hall

Main hall

photo
Address 778 Honmachi 15 chome, Higashiyama-ku
TEL 075-561-0087
FAX 075-533-0621
URL https://tofukuji.jp/
Hours Apr-late Oct: 9:00-16:00 (gate closes at 16:30), Nov-early Dec: 8:30-16:00 (gate closes at 16:30), Early Dec-late Mar: 9:00-15:30 (gate closes at 16:00)
Closed None
Adm Honbo garden: Adults ¥500, Elementary and junior high school students ¥300 /Tsuten bridge, founding hall Adults ¥600, Elementary and junior high school students ¥300※Prices vary depending on the season, please check the website   ※Komyohoden is usually closed to the public.
Access An 8-min walk from Keihan Toba-kaido Stn/A 10-min walk from JR and Keihan Tofukuji Stn/A 10-min walk from Tofukuji Stop of City Bus
Parking Available (Free) but not available during special viewing period in autumn

Facilities near by

photo:Daigo-ji Temple Reiho-kan

Daigo-ji Temple Reiho-kan

A treasure hall of famed treasures to view amidst famed vista of cherry-blossoms

photo:Yurinkan Museum

Yurinkan Museum

A wonderful experience in Chinese culture

photo:Kyoto City Zoo

Kyoto City Zoo

Consider the welfare of animals

photo:Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Museum

Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Museum

Late Edo and Meiji artworks come to light in Kyoto

error: Content is protected !!