Tofuku-ji is a beautiful temple in Kyoto, Japan. To get there, you can take the JR Nara Line or the Keihan Main Line to Tofukuji Station. From the station, it’s a short walk to the temple.
Once you arrive at Tofuku-ji, there are many things you can do.
Here are the top 20 best things to do at Tofuku-ji:
- Explore the beautiful gardens, including the famous “tsuitate” garden, which features a series of small gardens connected by winding paths.
- Visit the main hall, which contains a number of important cultural treasures.
- Take a stroll through the bamboo forest, which is especially beautiful in the autumn when the leaves turn golden.
- Learn about the history of the temple and its role in the development of Zen Buddhism in Japan.
- Take a traditional tea ceremony class, where you can learn about the art of preparing and serving matcha tea.
- Visit the Hojo, the residence of the temple’s chief priests, and see the beautiful shoin-style architecture.
- View the beautiful artwork and calligraphy on display throughout the temple.
- Participate in a Zen meditation session, led by a monk.
- Take a walk along the temple’s stone pathways and appreciate the peaceful atmosphere.
- Visit the temple’s museum, which displays a number of interesting artifacts related to the temple’s history.
- Take a guided tour of the temple, led by a knowledgeable local guide.
- Enjoy a peaceful moment at one of the temple’s many stone gardens.
- Visit the temple’s gift shop and pick up some souvenirs or traditional Japanese gifts.
- Take a walk along the nearby Hozu River and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.
- Visit the temple during one of its special events, such as the autumn foliage viewing season or the annual lantern festival.
- Learn about the temple’s role in the development of Japanese gardening and landscape design.
- Take a cooking class and learn how to prepare traditional Japanese dishes.
- Take a walk along the nearby Philosopher’s Path, a beautiful stone path lined with cherry blossom trees.
- Visit the nearby Gion District and experience the traditional atmosphere of one of Kyoto’s most famous geisha districts.
- Take a traditional Japanese ink painting class and create your own works of art.