Located at 15 Chome-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Tofukuji (東福寺) is the head temple of the Tofukuji School of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.
Tofukuji (東福寺)
Tofukuji History
Tofukuji was founded in 1236 by the priest Enni. The temple grounds cover an area of 200,000 square meters. It is presently home to the Hojo (Abbot's Hall) the huge San-mon (temple gate) and 24 sub-temples.
Tofukuji Rokuhara Gate
Tofukuji Sanmon
Aside from these, you can also see the spectacular checkboard-patterned garden in the temple grounds. However, to view the garden, you have to pay the 400 yen entrance fee for the Hojo and its garden.
A closer view of Tofukuji Sanmon
Tofukuji Zen Hall
A closer view of Tofukuji Zen Hall
Tofukuji Kuri
Another part of the temple ground worth checking out is the Tsutenkyo (Bridge to Heaven) and the Kaisando. It is worth noting that the Tsutenkyo was one of the filming locations of the Japan edition music video of Clean Bandit's Solo featuring Demi Lovato. You can check out the said video below. The Tsutenkyo dance scene is at 1:58.
Tofukuji Tsutenkyo
Crossing the Tofukuji Tsutenkyo
Watched Clean Bandit's Solo music video while in Tofukuji Tsutenkyo
Check out Clean Bandit's Solo music video ft. Demi Lovato
The bridge is also a famous foliage viewing spot every autumn. The leaves of the numerous maple trees at the valley below turn fire-red every autumn. Hence Tofukuji tends to be crowded every October to early December. Just a heads up though, you have to also pay a 400 yen admission fee to enter Tsutenkyo bridge and the Kaisando area.
Tofukuji Aizendo at the other end of the Tsutenkyo
Tofukuji Kaizando was being restored during our visit
Tofukuji Kaizando
My brother and I got to visit Tofukiji on the 5th day of our 2019 Japan trip. It was my first time visiting the said temple. I missed visiting the temple during my 2014 and 2018 visits as it was still "outside my radar". I only gained interest in it after seeing it in the Solo music video.
Here are some of the photos of the temple grounds:
During our visit, we skipped the Hojo and garden area. We only went to the Tsutenkyo and Kaisando area. Sadly, most of the maple leaves shed their leaves already. Regardless, the view from the bridge remained fascinating. As for the Kaisando, it was under restorative works so we failed to see its full beauty.
Off to our next destination...
Gaun Bridge
Tofukuji's Tsutenkyo as seen from Gaun Bridge
Tofukuji Admission Fee:
There are parts of Tofukuji that you can explore for FREE. However, if you wish to enter the Hojo and the garden you need to pay 400 yen. Another 400 yen entrance fee will be charged if you wish to enter the Tsutenkyo and Kaisando area.
Tofukuji Opening Hours:
Tofukuji is open from 8:30AM to 4PM.
Why visit Tofukuji?
Tofukuji is a perfect place to visit if you're exploring the Rakunan Area of Kyoto. It's one of those temples that offer a mix of splendid nature views and rustic feels. Aside from that, if you're a fan of Clean Bandit then this place should be part of your itinerary. It will make you proud to see the Tsutenkyo Bridge where a part of the Solo music video was shot.
Getting to Tofukuji:
From Kyoto Station, ride bus #208 and board down at Tofukuji bus stop.
Fare: 230 yen
As an alternative, you can also board the Keihan Line or JR Nara Line and board down at Tofukuji Station.
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street. Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declinin...
Located in Barangay Sta. Mercedes (Patungan) in Maragondon , Cavite, Patungan Beach is one of the province's little-known beach destinations. It is situated inside Patungang Cove which is south of Mt. Palay Palay which is also known as Pico de Loro . Patungan Beach Patungan Beach Details The area near Patungan Beach is home to about 100 - 200 families, most of which are fishermen hence the alternate name of the barangay - Patungan Fishing Village . According to the locals that I interviewed, their place was once an isolated barangay , reachable only by boat, horse, or foot. Thankfully, with the completion of the Nasugbu - Ternate Highway and Kaybiang Tunnel , the barangay was finally connected to the province. However, there is still no direct public transportation system that serves the area coming from Manila. Patungan Beach - Maragondon, Cavite The beach from a distance Check out these photos of Patungan Beach: Just a heads up, ...
Sapporo Grand Hotel ( 札幌グランドホテル ) is a historic 4-star hotel in the heart of Sapporo City. It is located at 4 Chome Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Sapporo Grand Hotel Sapporo Grand Hotel details Located in the heart of Sapporo's vibrant Chūō district, the Sapporo Grand Hotel is a testament to elegance and history. Dating back to 1928, the hotel's conception was sparked by Prince Chichibu's vision during a skiing excursion, recognizing the need for Western-style lodging in the city. Four years later, in 1934, its majestic doors swung open, marking the dawn of a new era in hospitality. Sapporo Grand Hotel - Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture Upon its inauguration, the Sapporo Grand Hotel soared as the city's tallest edifice, commanding attention with its imposing stature. Embraced by the Japanese Imperial Army as a strategic locale for military maneuvers in the 1930s, the hotel swiftly became an integral part of Sapporo's land...
Located in 679 Ogi-machi, Shirakawago in Gifu Prefecture, Myozenji ( 明善寺 ) is a historic religious establishment found in the historic village of Shirakawago . Myozenji ( 明善寺 ) Myozenji History Myozenji Temple was established in 1748 to provide the village people with a place to practice their religion and also to give spiritual protection to the village. For half a century, the small temple housed the mo nks who catered untiringly to the spiritual needs of the locals. In 1800, the temple was finally improved with the construction of the main hall, monk's residence, and the bell tower gate. Myozenji - Shirakawago, Gifu Prefecture Myozenji's Hondo Myozenji's bell tower Myozenji is surrounded by nature. Check out this small frog I saw near the temple ...and this lizard too! What makes the Myozenji unique is its thatched roof which uses the same materials as that of the famed gassho-style houses of the village. Like the t...
10 More Things to Do in Sapporo City Sapporo City ( 札幌市 ) is one of the places in Hokkaido that has a lot to offer. That's why In this article, I will share with you 10 More Things to Do in Sapporo City . If you missed reading my article about the " 10 Things to Do in Sapporo City " then please click this 👉 LINK 👈. Tanukikoji Shopping Street 1. Go shopping or restaurant hopping on Tanukikoji Shopping Street ( 狸小路商店街 ). There are over 200 outlets and restaurants to try out or shop from. Sapporo Beer Museum 2. Go to the Sapporo Beer Museum ( サッポロビール博物館 ) and learn about the world-famous Sapporo Beer . Don’t forget to buy some souvenirs at the souvenir shop. If you have the time and budget then you may also opt for the tour and free tasting experience. Shiroi Koibito Park 3. Visit Shiroi Koibito Park ( 白い恋人パーク ). If you love chocolates and cookies, then this place is a must-visit. You can watch how their famous cookies are made. If you have an extra budget, don’...
On August 12, 2022 , during my 41st week in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme , my family and I had the pleasure of visiting Embetsu Shrine for the first time as part of our five-day "Drive Up North" Road Trip . Later, on December 22, 2022 , I had the opportunity to revisit the shrine. What made this return visit particularly special was experiencing it during the winter season. Intrigued by how the shrine would be transformed by snow, I made the trip after finishing my duties at Embetsu Agricultural High School . As expected, the shrine exuded a captivating charm, its grounds adorned in a blanket of snow, truly a magical sight to behold. Embetsu Shrine Revisited Winter 2022 Embetsu Shrine details ( Winter ) For those who weren’t able to read my previous article about Embetsu Shrine , you might want to click this 👉 LINK 👈 to read about the history of the shrine. Regardless, here’s a summary of it. Embetsu Shrine - Embetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture Embetsu Shrine ...
Located in 8 Daibutsu-cho Gifu City in Gifu Prefecture, Shoboji ( 正法寺 ) is known as the temple which houses one of the three largest Daibutsu or Great Buddha statues in Japan . Shoboji ( 正法寺 ) Shoboji and Gifu Daibutsu History Officially named Kinpouzan Shobouji (Temple) and also called Shohoji , Shoboji was first established in 1638. It joined the Obaku school in 1692. Although the temple incorporated many aspects of the Obaku school, its architectural style and sacraments are in the Chinese style. Shoboji - Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture Shoboji as seen from the road Buy your entrance ticket here. It's only 200 yen. Here's what appears to be a tsukubai but could also be a chozubachi or purification font As was already written, Shoboji houses one of the largest statues of Buddha in Japan. It was the 11th head priest of the temple, Ichyuu (Ichu) who planned for the construction of Gifu's Great Buddha in 1790. Sadly, he never saw the completed Bud...
Located in the city of Gifu in Gifu Prefecture, Gifu Castle ( 岐阜城 ) is a mountaintop castle that stands as one of the symbols of the city. Gifu Castle ( 岐阜城 ) Gifu Castle History Built by the Nikaido Clan during the Kamakura Period sometime between 1201 to 1204, Gifu Castle was once called Inabayama Castle by its original owners. It was a formidable castle which overlooks the surrounding countryside of then Mino Province. On September 13, 1567, the castle and its defenders under the leadership of Saito Tatsuoki of the Saito Clan came under siege by the numerically superior army of Oda Nobunaga. Gifu Castle - Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture Gifu Castle as displayed at Mt. Kinka Ropeway Station Make sure to get some brochures at Kinkazan Ropeway Station We rode the ropeway up Mt. Kinka Despite its strategical and strong position on top of Mt. Inaba, the castle still fell to the hands of Oda Nobunaga due to his cunning strategy of sending in si...
Located in the northern part of Gifu Prefecture, Takayama City ( 高山 ) is said to be in the heart of the Japanese Alps. It also currently has the largest geographic area of any municipality in Japan . Takayama City ( 高山 ) Takayama City History Takayama City is also called Hida-Takayama in reference to the old Hida province and also to differentiate it from other places in Japan with the same name. The name Takayama means "tall mountain", probably in reference to the mountains that surround it. Takayama City's famed Sanmachi Suji Part of the town near the Old Town District as seen from our room in the hotel Walking the streets of Takayama City Crossing the Nakabashi Bridge The history of the creation of Takayama started with its establishment in 1889. During that time, it was the most populous municipality in Gifu Prefecture. In 1936, the town merged with the town of Onada forming the city of Takayama. It continued to grow as it annexed ...
Located in Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawago ( 白川郷 ) is a famous historical mountain village in the northwestern part of the Hida Region. Shirakawago ( 白川郷 ) Shirakawago History The name Shirakawa is taken from the traditional Japanese name of the region during ancient times. Throughout time the region and its territories were reorganized and renamed. The name Shirakawa was then taken by the small mountain village which would then be included in the present-day Hida Region. Shirakawago 's history dates back to around 1176 when its name first appeared in historical texts. However, artifacts like pottery which dates back to 7000-2300 BCE were excavated in the area. Shirakawago - Gifu Prefecture Shirakawago as seen from Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Deck Check out the manhole cover of Shirakawago ! Gassho-style houses near paddy fields When the silk and gunpowder industry flourished in the village during the Edo era, the locals start...
So this is that temple in Solo video. Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! Please feel free to check out my other articles too.
Delete