- Culture
- Kyoto
Tofuku-ji Temple
Experience the grand scale of Japan's oldest and largest monastery
Famous for its gorgeous display of autumn leaves, Tofuku-ji Temple is one of the Kyoto Gozan, the five great Zen temples of Kyoto. The complete seven-structured temple compound (Shichido Garan) was constructed over 19 years from 1236, and while destroyed by fire numerous times, it was rebuilt each time. Valuable structures are preserved on the temple grounds, such as the Sanmon gate, a national treasure, as well as the Yokushitsu (bathing room), Tosu (lavatory) and Zendo (meditation hall), which all three are designated as important cultural properties. The Tsuten-kyo bridge in the precinct is a scenic spot of beautiful colored foliage.
Kyoto National Museum
A representative museum of Kyoto, since its opening in 1897, the museum has collected, stored and displayed cultural assets mainly of Kyoto from the Heian to Edo period (8th to 19th century), while also conducting research and promotion activities. The brick-built Meiji Kotokan Hall, an important cultural property, is the special exhibition hall, and the Heisei Chishinkan Wing opened in 2014 rotates various exhibitions to display the museum's many collections. In addition to indoor exhibits, the outdoor gardens display Japanese stone Buddha statutes, stone artifacts from the Korean Peninsula and Auguste Rodin's sculpture "The Thinker."
Toyokuni Shrine
This shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a samurai general of the 16th century, can be found right next to the Kyoto National Museum. It was originally located on Mount Amidagamine in the Higashiyama mountain range, but was destroyed by warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu and later rebuilt in 1880. The splendid Karamon gate, a national treasure, was relocated from Fushimi Castle. In the treasure hall located in the precinct, various items related to Hideyoshi are on display.
Location
| Name | Tofuku-ji Temple |
|---|---|
| Website | http://www.tofukuji.jp/english/index.html |
| Address | 15-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto |
| Access | Approximately 10 minutes' walk from Tofukuji Station on the JR/Keihan Electric Railway |
| Inquiries | TEL: 075-561-0087 |
