Tōfuku-ji’s Autumn Foliage Viewing Runs for One Month!

A month of autumn foliage viewing at Tōfuku-ji!? That’s a whole stretch of the season to explore this Kyoto temple, established in 1236 😮 Its grounds are known for fall colors and gardens, so take a moment to look around before choosing where to spend your visit.

You can walk around the temple grounds freely, while entry to the Hōjō garden and Tsūtenkyō Bridge is paid. Want to keep costs down? Enjoy the grounds without those ticketed areas, or budget for the garden and bridge if you’d like to see them up close.

Tōfuku-ji Station is a ten-minute walk away on the JR Nara Line or Keihan Line. You can also reach the temple by bus from Kyoto Station, so choose the route that works best for your trip 🚶

Tsūtenkyō Bridge is the standout pick if you’re short on time: visitor impressions point to its view over the valley as a memorable way to take in the fall colors. The Hōjō garden offers a different reason to linger, with gardens among the temple’s best-known features 🍁

Both the bridge and the garden require paid admission, while the wider grounds are free to walk. Check the temple’s admission information before you go, then decide whether you’d rather add one ticketed stop or explore the grounds at no charge.

Give yourself time to take in the autumn foliage around Tōfuku-ji, then make your way to Tsūtenkyō Bridge if that view is calling. Your next move: plan your route to the temple and go see the colors for yourself 😊