Tofukuji Temple in Kyoto: Highlights and Personal Photos with Insights into the Spectacular Autumn Colors of Around 2,000 Maples

2023-12-012024-09-23

Tofukuji Temple is renowned as one of Kyoto’s premier spots for autumn foliage. The highlight of Tofukuji’s fall colors is the view from the Tsutenkyo Bridge, a stage that extends outward 10 meters high. The vista of the foliage, which resembles a sea of clouds, creates a breathtaking scenery.

This article will share the highlights of Tofukuji Temple, along with some personal photographs.

Getting To Tofukuji Temple From Kyoto Station

The most convenient way to reach Tofukuji Temple from Kyoto Station is by train.

STEP

Take the JR Nara Line train bound for Tofukuji at Kyoto Station.

The JR Nara Line bound for Tofukuji is located on platform 10.

STEP

Disembark at JR Tofukuji Station.

JR Tofukuji Station is the first station from Kyoto Station, a brief 2-minute journey.

STEP

From the station, then walk about 650m, which takes about 9 minutes.

Highlights of Tofukuji Temple

The first thing you’ll encounter is the Gaun Bridge. This bridge serves as a local pathway, so you can cross it without an admission fee.

In the distance, you’ll see Tofukuji Temple’s top scenic spot, the Tsutenkyo Bridge. The view from this bridge, with the fall colors in the background, is also a must-see. It looks as if the Tsutenkyo Bridge is floating amidst a sea of autumn leaves.

As you proceed inside, you’ll find the ticket office for Tsutenkyo Bridge.

Once inside, you’ll be surrounded by 360 degrees of stunning autumn colors. The “Sengyokukan” valley on the premises is filled with trees in vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange. Every angle is perfect for photographs.

The fallen leaves create a breathtaking carpet of red and yellow on the ground.

The collaboration of colorful fallen leaves and moss is also remarkable and beautiful.

There’s a small stream there, and the stream covered with red and yellow leaves adds a charming touch.

After passing through the valley, you’ll reach the Tsutenkyo Bridge side. There are beautiful red maple trees here as well.

Just after climbing the valley, you’ll find the entrance to Tsutenkyo Bridge.

In the center of the 27-meter-long Tsutenkyo Bridge is a slightly protruding viewing platform called Tsuten-dai.

The view from this 10-meter-high platform offers a breathtaking sensation as if you’re standing above a colorful sea of clouds. The river flows beneath Tsutenkyo Bridge, and along the river, about 2,000 maple trees create a vivid and beautiful landscape. Interestingly, this popular spot originated from the 14th to 15th centuries when all cherry trees were cut down to prevent hindrances to ascetic training. The bridge was constructed to ease the hardship for the monks crossing the valley, and it eventually became a renowned viewpoint overlooking the 2,000 maple trees planted in place of the cherry trees. It’s a surprising twist of fate.

At the end of the bridge, the yellow maples are also beautiful. The gradient with the red maples in the background is photogenic and stunning. The best time to see Tofukuji Temple’s autumn foliage is usually from mid-November to early December.