Tofuku-ji Temple – Head Temple of Rinzai Sect

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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.