Tofukuji Temple 東福寺

Description

Tofukuji Temple is acclaimed for its historically significant buildings, unique gardens, and for providing one of Kyoto’s most spectacular sights each fall. The views from three covered bridges that cross a shallow valley of maple trees in the center of Tofukuji’s grounds are impressive in all seasons. However, the sight of the maples in their glorious fall colors is especially stunning from the Tsutenkyo Bridge, a 27-meter span. Many visitors flock to Tsutenkyo when the colors peak from late November to early December to admire the view from a bridge that seems to be floating on a sea of red leaves. Tofukuji is one of Kyoto’s “Five Mountains” of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. Although built on merely hilly land, its appellation refers to the temple’s importance in the Rinzai sect. Founded in 1236, its name comes from two important temples in Nara?the “To” (eastern) of Todaiji and the “fuku” (happiness) of Kofukuji. The current two-storied main gate, a National Treasure, was built in 1425 and is Japan’s largest and oldest Zen temple gate. Other significant structures dating back to the Muromachi period (1336 - 1573) include Japan’s oldest meditation hall and oldest temple toilet. Unfortunately for history lovers, this toilet building is usually closed, but modern facilities are on hand for visitors. The four gardens surrounding the sides of the head priest’s former living quarters were designed by renowned garden designer Shigemori Mirei (1896 - 1975). Each garden combines Zen simplicity with a modern sensibility but has a different character stemming from the use of raked pebbles, rocks, moss, shrubs, and checkered patterns. These gardens were completed in 1939 and are widely considered to be some of the finest in Kyoto.