Kyoto · Fushimi
Tofuku-ji Temple
Tofuku-ji took 19 years to build, from 1236 to 1255, under the regent Kujo Michiie, and according to the temple it was the largest temple complex in Kyoto. It is one of the city's five great Zen temples.
The Sanmon gate, a National Treasure, was rebuilt in the early Muromachi period, and the paintings on its upper floor are attributed to the painter Mincho and his students. According to the temple, the meditation hall from 1347 is the oldest and largest in Japan, and the monks' toilet is the oldest that survives. Relieving yourself was also part of the training, with strict rules.
Most visitors come for two things. Tsutenkyo Bridge, a covered bridge over a valley full of maples, some of which, according to tradition, the temple's founder brought from China. And the garden of the Hojo, the head priest's quarters, designed by Mirei Shigemori in 1939: four gardens, one on each side of the building.
Good to know
- There is no re-entry. Once you leave a paid area, you cannot go back in on the same ticket.
- On 5 October 2026 all paid areas are closed for the whole day because of a ceremony at the temple. The rest of the grounds are open.
- During the autumn leaves it is very crowded, and you are sometimes asked not to stop for photos on the bridges. The temple seals (goshuin) are also not handwritten at that time.
- Eating and drinking are not allowed on the grounds, and neither are tripods.
What is nearby
Approximate walking minutes from the entrance of Tofuku-ji Temple.
- HereTofuku-ji Temple
- ~4 min
Funda-in (Sesshu-ji) More to see
A sub-temple of Tofuku-ji. The south garden, a crane and a turtle made of stone and moss, is attributed to the painter Sesshu, and according to the temple it is one of the oldest stone gardens in Kyoto. From the tea room you see the garden through a round window.
- ~5 min
Komyo-in More to see
A small sub-temple of Tofuku-ji with a garden of sand, moss and azaleas by Mirei Shigemori, built around three groups of stones. It opens early in the morning, so you can start here before Tofuku-ji opens.
- ~17 min
JR Inari Station Lamp House More to see
A small brick hut from 1879, from the days when the old Tokaido Line opened, that was used to store the station's oil lamps. It is designated a railway heritage site.
- ~17 min
Vermillion espresso bar & info. Cafe
A small coffee shop near JR Inari Station, named after the color of the torii gates. An espresso before you climb the mountain.
- ~18 min
Nezameya Food
An old restaurant near the back entrance to the shrine. Inari-zushi, rice in a pocket of seasoned fried tofu, seven pieces for ¥1,050, and grilled quail. You are asked to order at least one dish per diner.
More in Fushimi
Appears in: Fushimi Inari: the torii gates at sunrise, Tofuku-ji and the sake district