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Japan/Things to Do in Kyoto, couple trip

Tōfuku-ji Temple (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is Tōfuku-ji Temple?

89%Couple-Friendly
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What makes it 89% Couple-Friendly: Couples enjoy maple-framed Tsūten-kyō views, quiet Hojo garden benches, and a meditative ambiance perfect for shared photos and conversation; a 2-3 hour stay fits most itineraries.

Google
Reviews4.5/ 5
(from 10,187 reviews)
Autumn Leaves at Tofukuji Temple in Kyoto, Japan | Peak Season Views and Tsutenkyo Bridge [4K]
39 min
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Autumn Leaves at Tofukuji Temple in Kyoto, Japan | Peak Season Views and Tsutenkyo Bridge [4K]
13.6K views • 1 year ago
Exploring Toji Temple & Tofukuji Temple Kyoto Japan | Kyoto Temples
24 min
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Exploring Toji Temple & Tofukuji Temple Kyoto Japan | Kyoto Temples
4K views • 2 years ago

Positives:

  • Historic Gates: The 1235 Sanmon Gate is Japan’s oldest Zen gate and perfect for shared photos.
  • Serene Gardens: Hojo’s moss garden offers couples a peaceful spot for quiet reflection.

Challenges:

  • Peak Autumn Crowds: Tsūten-kyō Bridge can become crowded between 10 AM and 2 PM in November.
  • Uneven Pathways: Stone and wooden walkways may be slippery when wet; wear sturdy shoes.
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🏖️ Explore Tōfuku-ji Temple with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Tōfuku-ji Temple. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Tōfuku-ji Temple?

  • A 13th-century Zen Buddhist temple established in 1236 as the head temple of the Tōfuku-ji school of Rinzai Zen
  • A collection of Muromachi-period halls and gates, featuring Japan’s oldest Zen main gate (Sanmon) and multiple designated national treasures
  • Gardens and stone bridges arrayed among moss-covered courtyards, renowned for their autumn maple foliage

What is so special about Tōfuku-ji Temple for couple trip?

  1. Cross the Tsūten-kyō Bridge for panoramic maple views
  2. Sit quietly in Hojo’s checkerboard moss garden
  3. Practice beginner Zazen meditation with a small donation
  4. Capture intimate photos under the 13th-century Sanmon Gate
  5. Enjoy fewer crowds with an early-morning visit

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can cross the bridges, explore gardens, and join a short meditation session at a relaxed pace.

(View Tōfuku-ji Temple on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in Tōfuku-ji Temple

Cross Tsūten-kyō Bridge:

Walk the raised corridor for framed valley and maple views.

Tip: Arrive before 9 AM in autumn to avoid lines and capture soft light.

Admire the Hōjō Dry Landscape Garden:

Sit on the wooden veranda to study checkerboard moss patterns.

Tip: Buy the combo ticket at the main gate to include this garden entry.

Beginner Zazen Meditation:

Share a quiet guided session in the temple’s Zendo.

Tip: Ask at the office on arrival and bring a small donation (¥300–¥500 per person).

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Tōfuku-ji Temple

  1. Early Arrival: Start your visit by 8:30 AM to explore key spots without the crowds.
  2. Combo Tickets: Purchase the joint ticket at the main gate to skip extra lines later.
🏖️ Tour Tōfuku-ji Temple like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Tōfuku-ji Temple. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Tōfuku-ji Temple

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NIN Kongnav

NIN Kongnav

Aug 2025

It's worth checking out! The ticket is required if you visit its old bridge and garden which is 500 Y (3.33$). The garden is spectacular. I went there on 31 July 2025. Imagine if that was in Autumn 🍁! The photo is prohibited at the bridge. But I read it's seasonal.

Jason

Jason

Jun 2025

Visiting Tofuku-ji on a rainy day offered a completely different atmosphere — calm, serene, and deeply poetic. The rain brought out the rich greens of the moss and made the gardens feel even more peaceful. The stone paths glistened, and the whole temple grounds seemed to turn into a living ink painting. With fewer visitors around, I was able to really take in the quiet beauty and meditative mood o...

Clemens Wan

Clemens Wan

Jun 2025

I love this temple because it's got all the beauty of a rock garden, views of temple vista, mini hike, and peaceful scenery without the touristy crowd. It's truly a hidden gem and walking distance from fushimi Inari shrine if you've finished that long hike up the mountain. It's worth the 1000 yen to do both the garden and the bridge. The stamp for 500 yen is also amazingly intricate and beautiful.

Hash Man

Hash Man

May 2025

What a great way to spend a day. Relaxing and not crowded even though it’s only one station from Kyoto station. I’ll be coming back in a few months. I’ll be back with family and friends it was that nice. Pictures don’t do it justice. You just have to experience it all yourself. I’ll be avoiding this place as the colors change but will definitely be back as time permits. Thank you @tabieats for men...

Zainuri Hanif

Zainuri Hanif

Apr 2025

Tofuku-ji Temple in Kyoto is one of those places that quietly steals your heart. Unlike the more crowded temples in the city, Tofuku-ji offers a serene and reflective atmosphere, perfect for those seeking peace and beauty. One of the highlights of this temple complex is the Tsutenkyo Bridge, which gracefully stretches over a lush ravine. When I visited, it was winter—bare trees framed the path, r...

When is the best time to visit Tōfuku-ji Temple (Kyoto, Japan)?

In mid-November, visit before 9 AM to see peak red leaves with fewer crowds. In spring, enjoy fresh green moss under soft light and a quieter atmosphere.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Kyoto on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Tsūten-kyō Bridge ticket (2 adults)JPY 1,200
Hōjō Garden ticket (2 adults)JPY 1,000
Zazen meditation donation (couple)JPY 1,000
Total EstimatedJPY 3,200

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Tōfuku-ji Temple

Address: 15-chōme-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0981, Japan

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About Tōfuku-ji Temple

Opening Hours

Monday:9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday:9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday:9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+81 75-561-0087

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