Tōfuku-ji Temple

4-nov-25 : After the chaos of Kiyomizu-dera, I decided to take a quiet detour to Tofuku-ji, it was the right call. I arrived around 4 PM after taking a bus, then followed the temple signage through a calm residential neighborhood. The walk itself was part of the experience. peaceful, neighborly, and very traditional Japan, with small temples and beautiful scenery along the way. It’s about a 15-minute walk, and once you reach the gate, the scale and magnificence of the temple really hit you. There weren’t many people around, so the atmosphere felt calm and almost meditative. Quiet, beautiful, and grounding. An amazing place to slow down and just be. It was early autumn when I visited, and the temple grounds were already filled with green-yellow momiji trees—such a beautiful, gentle sight. I can only imagine how stunning it must be during peak autumn when the leaves turn deep red. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to explore all the temple buildings since it closes right at 5 PM. I really wish I had more time to visit the main hall and see the famous dragon painting. When I return to Kyoto, this place is absolutely worth a second visit.

This temple is very beautiful during momiji season and is very easy to acces by the JR line its inly one stop away krom Kyoto station or if you're coming from Inari station. You can also walk for 20minutes plus from Fushimi Inari Taisha to this area if you want. I went at the end of momiji season there was red leaves here and there but most have fallen already which is a bit sad. But in some are or photo spots you can still get some good momiji photos. As many other Kyoto temples there are a lot of steps, slopes and hill so be aware of that. I love the corridor view with momiji leaves in the background especially, it was such an iconic photos of this temple. I would recommend people to pay this a visit during momiji season especially just enjoy the view and be aware of the crowd.

We explored the grounds here in the early morning, that golden window before the tour buses arrive and before Kyoto turns into a polite but relentless game of human pinball. Highly recommend. This is a temple that rewards restraint: fewer people, slower steps, more noticing. The famous covered walkways felt almost monastic at that hour: long wooden corridors creaking softly underfoot, framing views of a mossy ravine and a thin ribbon of water below. In summer, the maples are a deep, confident green. No fireworks, no fall foliage hype. Just calm competence. Kyoto, unflexing. Near one of the side gates, we came across a tiny sub-temple we weren’t allowed to enter (classic Kyoto move). At the gate sat a row of stone Jizō statues, each wearing a straw hat and fronted by bright sunflowers. No explanation. No sign. Just six stone monks dressed for summer like they were about to head out for iced coffee. It felt oddly intimate...like stumbling into a moment not meant for you, but generously left visible anyway. The main halls are imposing without being showy, the grounds expansive without feeling manicured to death. This is Zen architecture at scale... less “Instagram moment,” more “walk it off and think.”

Skip the crowds of Kiyomizu and come here. This is a beautiful temple where you can actually feel some peace and calm because it isn't packed shoulder to shoulder. The rock garden is very serene and there are people just sitting and meditating in the beauty. We missed the color change by maybe a few weeks but this place would be spectacular when colors change. It is packed with maples.

This temple is very easy to get to as it is just one stop away from Kyoto Station on the JR Nara Line. Tofukuji is famous for its spectacular autumn colors. The most popular view is Tsutenkyo Bridge, which spans a valley of lush maple trees. The view from the bridge is spectacular, and 100 meter long, covered walkway becomes extremely crowded when the colors reach their peak, usually around mid to late Nov. It is best to visit in the early morning to avoid the worst of the crowds. Opening Hours: 08.30-16.00 (Nov to early Dec) Admission Fees: 400 Yen (Hojo and the Kaisando)

Absolutely loved it. As others have said, zen like feeling walking around here. No pushy, crowded, ignorant tourists like the the well known temples and castles. We legged it from our hotel opposite Kyoto station via the back streets, mixing with the locals. Crossed railway tracks with boom gates, fantastic. A great day. A true lesser known gem.

Good view to take photo of maple leaves. But I think I go to here late for a few days. Anyway, it still has some great spot to take photo. Admission fee is 1,000 Yen for adult and 500 Yen for child.

Quite crowded and full of Chinese tourists who avoided the instructors' warning, blocked the narrow bridge to take photos for each others. Besides, the temple is beautiful in autumn season. The walking route from JR station to the temple is beautiful as well.

Came here after my family and I were almost crushed to death by total clusterfuck when we attempted to go to Fushimi Inari on new year day. We fled to next station from Inari, hoping to find peace and quiet at Tofukuji. And there it was. Far less people on New Year's Day, no queue at all. Although there is even a train station named after this place, this is not exactly popular destination for many. However, their magnificent architectures, especially "Tsutenbashi" a bridge over the valley w/ the roof were so worth to look at and property is well maintained and the garden looked beautiful. I wouldn't called "off the beaten path" but it's definitely less popular destination and find yourself relaxing and spiritual time there. This is what I'd like to call "hidden jewel".

Especially beautiful to come in the autumn when the foliage is at its peak, this Buddhist temple in Kyoto is fascinating to visit. General admission for the gardens and temples is ¥800 which isn't bad since it's large and the scenery is wonderful. It is a bit too crowded but worth it. If you're planning on visiting Kyoto then this is a great place to come. Recommended.

I guess I now understood why people flock this temple during autumn season. It's magical inside , except for the crowd. The ground is huge and lots of places to explore. Going to try to check this temple again in the different season.

It was very crowded here and we wouldn't have found it otherwise, but our cab driver was able to take us here through the windy, one lane roads. I nearly had a heart attack with how he was driving but low and behold, he dropped us off in front of this beautiful temple and we were able to explore the scenic area of foliage and beautiful colored trees. The temple itself lacks color like many other shrines we've been to but the designs are so intricate and beautiful!

I came here in November to admire autumn foliage. The beauty of the red, orange and yellow leaves (Japanese maple or momiji) are truly mesmerizing. It was so pretty that pictures are a must to capture and hold all the utterly gorgeous views. The only downside was that the trip to get there was too crowded for me. It was crowded on the train and very crowded walking there too. The entrance fee was only ¥600. This temple is located east of the Kyoto Station (京都駅). If you plan on walking there from the Kyoto Station, it is 2.1 miles or 3.4 km. One can also take a short train ride from the Kyoto station. Just hop onto the JR Nara Line (奈良線) and two minutes later, you will arrive at the Tofukuji station (東福寺駅) and then walk another ten minutes to arrive at the front entrance of the temple. Tofukuji also offers night illuminations during the autumn foliage season. Next time I will visit here during the evening hours.

Tofukuji in summer is hot! Anyway it's hot. Without the people taking a walk in the vicinity. And there are no places where I have tea. There is only a vending machine. Please be careful. There are a lot of temples. Colored leaves also seem cool in summer and are beautiful. A camera was left, so the person who goes to take a picture? Please go. It's away from the station, so it's heat exhaustion attention. Colored leaves are a beautiful temple. The autumnal tints of the autumn seem to be really admirably.

Well-known for its beautiful scenery of maple leaves. Sightseers flock to the place during the season in full swing. This site is a little different from other major autumn leaves viewing spots. That is, you can enjoy the magnificent view walking on the long wooden corridor called Tsutenbashi connecting the main hall to the other hall. There is no window, only large poles. I saw the maple leaves panorama from here. It was weekend that I visited here with my husband. Very crowded with the visitors. The maple leaves were changing its color gradually or partially yellow or crimson. The gradation and contrast is beyond my description. This temple is a little distant from the central part of the city. But worth bothering to come here. Around here small temples are spotted. How about strolling this tranquil Higashiyama area?