Tofuku-ji Temple

東福寺

Tofuku-ji is a large Zen temple, the head temple of the Tofuku-ji branch of the Rinzai school. Regent Kujo Michiie built it over 19 years, from 1236 to 1255, taking its name from two great temples in Nara, Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji. Tsutenkyo Bridge crosses a valley, and the view of autumn leaves and fresh spring green from the bridge is very famous. The Hojo has the Hasso no Niwa, four modern gardens made by garden designer Shigemori Mirei in 1939. Autumn is very crowded.

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Visitor information

Opening hours

April 1 to November 13: open 9:00 to 16:00. Last entry is 16:00 and the gate closes at 16:30.

November 14 to December 6 (autumn): Tsutenkyo Bridge opens 8:30 to 16:00, and the Hojo garden opens 9:00 to 16:00.

December 7 to March 31: open 9:00 to 15:30. The gate closes at 16:00.

Admission

Hojo Garden (all year): adults 600 yen (from November 1, 2026), children 300 yen. "Children" means elementary and junior high school students.

Tsutenkyo Bridge and Kaisando Hall: adults 600 yen, children 300 yen. From November 14 to December 6: adults 1,000 yen, children 500 yen.

Combined ticket (Hojo Garden + Tsutenkyo/Kaisando): adults 1,000 yen, children 500 yen. Not sold from November 14 to December 6. Re-entry is not allowed.

People with a disability certificate can enter free, together with one companion, by showing it at reception.

Getting there

From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station, then walk about 10 minutes. Keihan Tofukuji Station is also about 10 minutes on foot.

By city bus from Kyoto Station: take bus 88 or 208 (about 15 minutes) to the Tofukuji stop.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

Eating and drinking, and photos with a tripod, are not allowed in the temple grounds.
In autumn 2026, the special early-morning and night viewings of Tsutenkyo Bridge need advance booking.

Tips for Muslim visitors

The temple says it gets very crowded during the autumn special viewing period.
During the autumn period, you may be asked not to take photos on the Tsutenkyo and Gaunkyo bridges.
Eating and drinking are not allowed on the temple grounds, and neither is photography with a tripod. Have your meal before or after your visit.
Buddhist temples welcome visitors of all faiths. You can enjoy the buildings and gardens without joining any prayer, burning incense or buying charms.
Many halls ask you to take off your shoes. Wear socks and shoes that are easy to slip off, and keep a bag for your shoes if none is provided.
Photography is often not allowed inside halls. Follow the signs and ask staff if you are unsure.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Kyoto and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.