Tofukuji Garden
A Zen temple famous for Japan's most radical garden — the Hojo garden designed by Mirei Shigemori in 1939, featuring a stark chessboard pattern of moss and stone squares. The autumn foliage over the Tsutenkyo bridge rivals any in Kyoto. The temple sits at the southern end of the city and avoids the worst crowds.
1.5–2 hours
¥600 (garden)
Garden (Honbo): 9:00–16:00 (Dec 8–Mar 31: 9:00–15:30); temple grounds: check separate hours for Tennon-kyo and other areas.
November (foliage), May–June (fresh green)
Tofukuji Station on JR Nara Line or Keihan Line (JR from Kyoto Station about 3 min), then about 10 min walk to the temple
Location
Why Visit
- 1
The Hojo Garden's checkerboard of moss and stone is the most radical garden design in Kyoto — from 1939
- 2
Tsutenkyo bridge in November becomes Japan's most photographed single autumn foliage spot
- 3
The temple complex has five sub-gardens surrounding the main hall — each a complete meditation
Local Tips
The Hojo garden is one of the most celebrated modern Japanese gardens — Mirei Shigemori's 1939 redesign created four distinct garden rooms around the main hall. The 'checkered' moss and rock garden (north garden) is the most photographed. November maple foliage from the Tsuten-kyo bridge creates one of Kyoto's most iconic autumn scenes — arrive by 8am when the temple opens, before crowds.
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