← Explore
Temple & shrine · Kyoto
Tofuku-ji Hojo gardens
東福寺 方丈庭園
Zen gardensAutumn leavesDesign lovers
Tofuku-ji is a large Zen temple in southeast Kyoto, founded in 1236. Its Hojo gardens were designed in 1939 by landscape artist Shigemori Mirei, who brought a modern eye to Zen tradition.
The four gardens circle the abbot's hall: raked gravel with rock islands, and on the north side a checkerboard of moss and square stones. In November the Tsutenkyo bridge over a maple valley draws big crowds.
What to see and do
1Checkerboard garden
Moss and stone squares in a modern design on the north side.
2Southern garden
Rock islands in raked gravel.
3Tsutenkyo bridge
A wooden bridge over a maple valley, famous in autumn.
4Temple buildings
The huge Sanmon gate and halls of a major Zen temple.
Good to know
- In autumn go at opening time; queues build fast.
- Same-day re-entry is not allowed.
