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 Santa Maria Street in the municipality of Daraga in the province of Albay, Daraga Church is the crowning glory of religious architecture in Albay. Daraga Church Daraga Church History Daraga Church is also known as the Our Lady of the Gate Church . It was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum on October 29, 2007. Daraga Church - Daraga, Albay Daraga Church NHI marker Daraga Church facade Daraga Church bell tower Team Nicerio visits Daraga Church Daraga Church was built by Franciscan missionaries in Daraga which was then a barrio of the older town of Cagsawa. However, after Mayon Volcano's 1814 eruption which buried the majority of the town of Cagsawa, survivors relocated to Daraga. The barrio was then formally organized as a town in 1815. Afterward, the town became the center of trade and commerce in the province of Albay. A view of Mayon from inside Daraga Church Daraga Church interior Daraga Church baptismal ...
The last time I visited Daraga Church was during the 4th day of our CamSur - Albay Road Trip last 2014. Since that's almost a decade ago, I made sure to include it in our itinerary for the 8th day of our 2021 Bicol Road Trip . Daraga Church Revisited 2021 Daraga Church details For those who are unfamiliar with Daraga Church , it is located in Santa Maria Street, Daraga in the province of Albay. The church is formally called Nuestra Senora de la Porteria Parish Church ( Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church ). Daraga Church - Daraga, Albay Daraga Church was built under the supervision of the Franciscans sometime in 1773. the church was placed under the patronage of the Our Lady of the Gate. Daraga Church Facade Sadly, Mayon Volcano was not visible during our visit Daraga Church NHI Marker Can you spot the scary tarsier? The church facade is known for its Churrigueresque architectural style. It was built using materials that are abundant in the area like volcanic rock, wood, and...
Located at Francisco Mercado Street corner Jose P. Rizal Street, Barangay 5 Poblacion, Calamba City in the province of Laguna, Jose Rizal Shrine ( Dambana ni Rizal ) is the birthplace of Dr. Jose P. Rizal -the National Hero of the Philippines. Jose Rizal Shrine (Calamba) Jose Rizal Shrine History Jose Rizal Shrine is probably well known as the ancestral house of Rizal's family. The house serves as a museum that contains furniture and items that belong to the Rizal family. Jose Rizal Shrine - Calamba City, Laguna Young Jose Rizal with his dog I wonder what Young Rizal had in mind Rizal Shrine NHI Marker For those who don't know, the house that stood in the lot is actually only a replica of the old ancestral house which was destroyed during the Second World War. The replica was constructed right after the war. The construction was supervised by the late National Artist Juan Nakpil. It was inaugurated in 1950. The entrance to Jose Rizal Shrine...
10 Things to Do in Otaru City Otaru City ( 小樽市 ) is a port city in the Shiribeshi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . The name is believed to be of Ainu origin. It possibly means " river running through the sandy beach ”. For those planning to visit Otaru City to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Otaru City : Otaru City manhole covers 1. Take a picture of Otaru’s unique manhole covers . So far, I have seen 2 unique manhole covers. The first one is the one with the otter, and the other is the one that features the Otaru Canal. However, there is a colored version of the latter located near the LeTao Main Store. Aside from that, there is an Otaru Pokémon Manhole Cover featuring the Alolan Vulpix with what appears to be stained glass windows as his backdrop. Former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch 2. Visit the Former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch and learn about the golden age of banking in Otaru City. You can watch the map projection on the ceiling of ...
Located in Rosario in the province of Cavite, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros is famously known as the location of the historic Tejeros Convention of 1897. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros Casa Hacienda de Tejeros history Casa Hacienda de Tejeros was originally built in the 17th century. The hacienda and its surrounding lands were formerly owned by the Augustinian Recollects. The estate was once the largest and grandest estate in the country. It once covered as much as 1,125 hectares with the casa occupying 4 hectares of it. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Rosario, Cavite The NHI Marker of the Casa Hacienda de Tejeros The name tejeros came from the Spanish name tejer , which means "to weave". It's due to the fact that the weaving industry is one of the major industries of the municipality of Rosario. Going back to its historical importance, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros played an important role in 1897 when it hosted the assembly that the new leaders of the revolution were elected. ...
Located in Caridad, Cavite City in the province of Cavite, Don Ladislao Diwa Shrine is the resting place of Don Ladislao Diwa - one of the founders of the KKK (Kataastaasang, Kagalanggalangan, Katipunan) which is the revolutionary group that fought for independence of the Philippines. Don Ladislao Diwa Shrine Don Ladislao Diwa Shrine History It was on November 30, 1996, that Don Ladislao Diwa's mortal remains were transferred to the mausoleum on the grounds of what is now known as Don Ladislao Diwa Shrine . During my visit to Cavite City, I brought with me a list of places to visit in the said place and the shrine was one of those that I highlighted and planned to visit. Don Ladislao Diwa Shrine - Cavite City Since I was not using GPS at that time, I had a hard time locating Don Ladislao Diwa Shrine . The funny thing was, the locals seem to not even know about its location too. Lucky for me though, I got to ask an old lady who remembers very clearly the unique-looki...
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 Nara City, Nara Prefecture in Japan, Nara Park ( 奈良公園 Nara Kōen )is a public park popular for the hundreds of free-roaming wild sika deer. Nara Park Nara Park history Nara Park was established in 1880. It is designated as one of the " Places of Scenic Beauty " by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology. Nara Park - Nara City, Nara Prefecture The official area of Nara Park is about 502 hectares but some say it's bigger than that. The park includes the World Heritage temples and shrines like Tōdaiji , Kōfukuji , and Kasuga Shrine . You could also find the Nara National Museum in the park. Some deer-free zone of the park These are the first deer that we saw during our visit. Hey, bro got some crackers? Aww so sweet! Me: Smile! Deer: No! Map of Nara Park The deer crowd even Nandaimon of Todaiji So cute! Going back to what makes the park unique -the deer... Many people tend to ask why there are s...
Hakodate Park ( 函館公園 ) is a vast public park known for spring cherry blossoms, theme park rides & a city museum. It is located at 17 Aoyagi-cho, Hakodate City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Hakodate Park Hakodate Park Details Opened in 1879, Hakodate Park is one of Japan’s most iconic urban parks, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. This beloved park holds a special place in the hearts of the local community and is a testament to the collaboration between the citizens and the authorities during its creation. British Consul Eusden’s words, " Just as sick people need hospitals, healthy people need a place to rest ," resonated deeply with the people of Hakodate, prompting them to contribute both funds and labor to bring this park to life. As a result, Hakodate Park is considered one of the most unique parks in Japan . Hakodate Park - Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture The park’s design has remained largely unchanged since its open...
Located at 3-28 Rinku Ourai Minami, Izumisano City in Osaka Prefecture, Rinku Premium Outlets is the largest outlet shopping center in Western Japan . Rinku Premium Outlets Rinku Premium Outlets Details This two-story outlet mall is styled like that of the American port city of Charleston. Rinku Premium Outlets has a good line up of stores of the most famous (and luxurious) Japanese and International brands. These stores can be found in the two areas of Rinku Premium Outlets . These areas are the Main Side , which is known to some as the GAP Side due to the famous brand being seen prominently from the highway. It is also the largest of the two areas. The other one is the Sea Side which is known to some as the Burberry Side due to the same reason as the other one. Welcome to Rinku Premium Outlets The mall map of Rinku Premium Outlets For foreign tourists, make sure to bring your passport. You need to avail of the tax refund for your purchases and also to get the...
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