Tofukuji Temple in September to visit in kimono in 2023
Introduction
What is Tofukuji Temple?
Reasons to visit Tofukuji Temple
The beauty of Tofukuji Temple in September
The history of Tofukuji Temple
The garden of Tofukuji Temple
Conclusion
Introduction
There are countless reasons to visit Tōfuku-ji in September 2023, dressed in a kimono. In this article, I’ll introduce the beauty of Tōfuku-ji and the allure of autumn, as well as places and experiences that are worth visiting. Visiting Tōfuku-ji during this season will allow you to immerse yourself in the beautiful colors of nature and refresh your mind and body at the Nio-mon gate and the autumn garden. Moreover, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll in Ponto-chō and savor the deep-flavored dishes at the puffer fish restaurant Fukuya while enjoying the resonating sounds at Fumon-in. Additionally, you can search for unique souvenirs at Nomura Art Gallery. I hope you will read this article introducing the charm of Tōfuku-ji and feel the urge to visit.
What is Tōfuku-ji
Tōfuku-ji, located in Kyoto, is cherished by many as a place where one can experience Japanese history and culture. The buildings and gardens of this beautiful temple are exceptionally beautiful, and you cannot visit it without causing a nuisance to the tourists (just kidding, the temple also welcomes tourists). Tōfuku-ji has gone through many transitions in its rich history. Initially built as a sekisho of Daikaku-ji Monzeki, it was later used as a family temple by the Ashikaga family. The buildings and murals that evoke its history are sure to captivate visitors. Especially when you visit Tōfuku-ji in September, you can indulge in the seasonal atmosphere. With the arrival of autumn, the garden turns into a landscape of autumn leaves, presenting a vivid scenery. You’ll feel as if you’ve wandered into a painting. The garden features beautiful karesansui gardens and ponds. During your visit, take a moment to sit down and enjoy the landscape. Tōfuku-ji’s charm isn’t limited to autumn leaves. The temple also has a beautiful Nio-mon gate and a grass garden where you can take a leisurely stroll. Additionally, there is a detached hermitage called “Autumn Garden” within the garden, where you can practice Zen. It will purify your mind and liberate you from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Moreover, there are many attractions around Tōfuku-ji. There is a beautiful temple called Fumon-in nearby, as well as the famous puffer fish restaurant “Fukuya”. At Nomura Art Gallery, you can see exhibits of traditional paintings and crafts. Don’t miss these when you visit Tōfuku-ji. September at Tōfuku-ji is an excellent opportunity to experience the beauty of autumn leaves and cultural values. From children to adults, everyone will be fascinated. By all means, come and feel the breath of Japanese history and nature at Tōfuku-ji.
Reasons to visit Tōfuku-ji
There’s only one reason to visit Tōfuku-ji in September – to fully enjoy the beauty of autumn in its amethyst glory! As September arrives, autumn leaves engulf Tōfuku-ji, presenting a colorful landscape. Of course, you and everyone else will be amazed at the wonderful reasons I’m recommending. But, if you miss this beautiful season, you may regret it for the rest of your life. That’s because the autumn leaves at Tōfuku-ji are something extraordinary and special that you can’t experience anywhere else. The iconic Nio-mon gate of Tōfuku-ji is indeed a breathtaking spot! The view of the autumn leaves from there is so mesmerizing that it feels as if you’ve jumped into a painting. Burning this magnificent scenery into your eyes will undoubtedly become a lifelong memory. Furthermore, after thoroughly enjoying the autumn leaves, the fun part comes! Enjoy a delicious meal at “Fukuya”, a puffer fish restaurant near Tōfuku-ji. How often in life do you get to enjoy delicious food after appreciating the splendid autumn leaves? Fulfill your stomach and engrave your memories of Tōfuku-ji into your heart. Lastly, I recommend searching for special souvenirs at Nomura Art Gallery around Tōfuku-ji. Here, traditional crafts and beautiful paintings are exhibited. Why not take one home as a reward for yourself or as a gift for someone important? Visiting Tōfuku-ji in September will undoubtedly be an extraordinary experience. Beautiful autumn leaves, a serene garden, memorable gourmet food, and souvenirs. Once you experience this wonderful package, you’ll undoubtedly become addicted! Let’s go and experience the charm of autumn at Tōfuku-ji right away! The Splendor of Tofuku-ji in September
Visiting Tofuku-ji in September will undoubtedly overwhelm you with the beauty of autumn colors. You’ll be captivated by the vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges that envelop the landscape, like a painting. If you have an artistic soul, you will surely be fascinated by this natural palette. With an atmosphere reminiscent of an autumn festival, I highly recommend visiting Tofuku-ji in September when the leaves are at their best. The beautiful sights created by nature will deeply move you. Autumn is a poetic time in Japan, and Tofuku-ji’s garden enhances its beauty to the fullest. The sight of the trees changing colors and the autumn leaves floating on the water’s surface is truly breathtaking. Walking in the Tofuku-ji garden can be a blissful time for those who love to stroll. In this serene and beautiful place, calm your mind while feeling the changing seasons and the workings of nature. Visiting Tofuku-ji during the autumn foliage season is an exquisite choice that resonates with a rich heart. If you want to enjoy the vibrant beauty of autumn, Tofuku-ji in September is undoubtedly the best place.
History of Tofuku-ji
In this article, I will introduce the history of Tofuku-ji, a wonderful spot in Kyoto you should visit in a kimono in September 2023. As the oldest Zen temple in Japan, Tofuku-ji has a deep and colorful history. Tofuku-ji was founded in 1236 by the shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate, Fujiwara Yoritsune. Yoritsune deeply resonated with the teachings of Zen and invited the Chinese Zen monk Dogen Zenji to establish the first Zen temple in Japan. This was the beginning of Tofuku-ji, and Zen spread throughout Japan thereafter.
This temple was one of the five mountains under the “Five Mountains and Ten Temples System” and was widely supported by successive shoguns. As a result, numerous works of art and architecture were donated, giving birth to the splendid cultural properties we can enjoy today.
Furthermore, Tofuku-ji is known as a famous spot for autumn leaves. Especially the autumn leaves around the Tsutenkyo Bridge are splendid, and the scenery is so esteemed that it is called “Tsutenkyo autumn leaves.” These natural beauties, combined with the solemn scenery of the temple, evoke deep emotions in visitors.
Wearing a kimono and experiencing the history of Tofuku-ji is a profound engagement with Japanese culture and history. The unique atmosphere conveyed by the buildings, gardens, and art such as Buddha statues seems to speak to us across time. Tofuku-ji, where a long history and a beautiful natural environment merge, is highly recommended as one of the Kyoto sightseeing spots to visit in a kimono. Feel the history of Tofuku-ji on your skin while wearing a kimono.
Tofuku-ji’s Garden
Visiting the garden of Tofuku-ji, which reflects its long history and delicate beauty, while dressed in a kimono, has an indescribable charm. The garden of Tofuku-ji is a place where you can feel the atmosphere of each season, akin to a “living museum.” Especially in the early autumn of September, the garden’s demeanor changes from fresh green to early autumn colors, enchanting visitors.
In the garden, the most famous spot is the garden around the “Tsutenkyo Bridge,” known as a famous spot for autumn leaves. Although it’s still a bit early for the autumn leaves season in September, you can feel the trees transitioning to autumn. The scenery reflected on the bridge, as if the water surface is projecting a painting, is quite something.
In addition, Tofuku-ji has a “Hojo Garden.” This dry landscape garden embodies Zen philosophy with its simple yet meaningful layout. Here, natural materials such as stones, sand, and moss are ingeniously combined, resonating deeply with people’s hearts even with its near-minimalistic expression.
In this way, the garden of Tofuku-ji is not only a place where you can appreciate its scenery but also feel the thought and spirituality behind it. When visiting in a kimono, you naturally calm down and can immerse yourself in deep thoughts. Such experiences help us understand Japanese culture and history more deeply.
When you travel to Kyoto, please visit Tofuku-ji’s garden in a kimono and savor its profound beauty. This experience will surely be deeply engraved in your heart.
Finally
Thank you for reading this article “Tofuku-ji to Visit in a Kimono in September 2023” to the end. I hope you felt the deep history and charm of Tofuku-ji’s beautiful garden through this article. For over 800 years since its establishment, Tofuku-ji has inherited its charm through various eras. Spending time appreciating the scenery of Tsutenkyo and the Hojo Garden while feeling its long history enables us to deeply appreciate Japanese culture and the beauty of nature.
Especially, strolling in a kimono deepens the experience. In the unique space where the elegance of ancient Kyoto and the serenity of Tofuku-ji merge, you can enjoy the sensation of time flowing slowly.
In September 2023, wearing a kimono, stroll through the garden of Tofuku-ji and feel its atmosphere with all five senses. Additionally, there are many other attractions and gourmet shops around Tofuku-ji, so I recommend enjoying the Tofuku-ji area throughout the day.
Finally, sightseeing in a kimono is a special experience that makes you feel enriched. Dressed in a kimono, reflecting its beauty on yourself, each step you take visiting Tofuku-ji’s garden will make your Kyoto trip even more special.
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