Tofuku-ji Temple

As the largest and oldest Buddhist temple in Japan, Tofukuji Temple took 19 years to build, and with approximately 2,000 trees it is a preeminent spot to see the fall colors in Kyoto. During the abolition of Buddhism in the Meiji era, it was reorganized into a large temple with 25 sub temples. Some of the best views of the fall colors can be found at its three bridges. Engetsu Bridge, Gaun Bridge, and Tsuten Bridge are such amazingly scenic spots that at some times of year photography is prohibited and people are not allowed to access them. Looking upon the temple hall from Tsuten Bridge, the fall colors are magnificent. This site houses numerous important cultural assets that are worth seeing, such as the triple gate that is a national treasure, Japan’s largest Zen meditation hall where 400 Zen monks train, a checkerboard pattern of moss and stone in Hojo Garden, and more. One such important cultural asset is Japan’s oldest “tosu.” A tosu is a type of bathroom in a Zen monastery. This tosu has a width of 10 meters, making it usable by 100 people at once, and this size sparks stories about how large the temple must have been. During the fall season there are also special “shuin” seals. You can enjoy a modern garden and the fall colors together.