Tôfukuji (Kyoto Gozan #4)

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Built in 1236, Tôfukuji is a temple of the Rinzai Zen sect in southeastern Kyoto. It's name is a combination of characters from two of the most famous and earliest temples in Japan, Tôdaiji and Kôfukuji in the first Imperial capital of Japan, Nara. Tôfukuji is known for the beauty of the complex but in particular its Sanmon Gate which is listed as a National Treasure by the state, and its Heavenly Bridge which crosses a shallow ravine filled with Japanese Maple trees. 

For the casual: 10. For the educated: 10.

Tôfukuji is one of my favorite temples in Kyoto because of how beautiful it is. The Heavenly Bridge is one of the defining characteristics of the temple which makes for amazing sights from spring to fall. As the maple leaves change into their iconic oranges and reds, the entire ravine is filled with their warm colors. During this time of the year, hundreds to thousands of people make their way to Tôfukuji with their expensive cameras in order to capture their beauty. Therefore, if you are visiting Kyoto in November, be prepared to wait in lines to see the leaves.

Across the bridge from the main complex is a secluded rock garden and pond which leaves you time to ponder with only the sounds of the creatures around you to fill the atmosphere. When you're done, you can wander around the halls and see the amazing architecture that has been standing for centuries. 

The Heavenly Bridge from the street below.

Looking down the Heavenly Bridge.

 

Kenninji (Kyoto Gozan #3)

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As one of the premier Zen temples in Kyoto, Kenninji was founded in 1202 by the priest Yôsai which makes it the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. Kenninji is known for a wide variety of aspects but most notably for its grand architecture, rock gardens, and works of art which are classified as national treasures by the state. 

For the casual: 10. For the educated: 10. 

Oh dear goodness this temple is awesome. First off it's easy to get to. Only a 15 min. walk south of the main street into the Gion District (Shijôdori), you walk through Geisha neighborhoods and traditional city housing to reach the temple. Once you get there, if you're lucky, the famous Fûjin and Raijin painting by Tawaraya Sôtatsu will be on display. If it's not, don't worry, the temple has more than enough to keep you entertained. A hyper-accurate recreation of the painting by Canon Photography is on display near the back of the building. Walk through the halls which have open spaces of trees and moss while hanging scrolls and paintings adorn the wall. On a sunny and hot day, spend some time sitting in the shade by the side of the rock garden and feel the breeze caress you while the garden calls to a deeper spirituality. Want to see a massive painting of dragons? Put on a pair of the slippers provided and cross the path to the Main Hall to view the 800 year anniversary commemorative painting of twin dragons painted in 2002. If you're a history buff like I am, you'll know that between the 14th and 16th centuries Kyoto was plagued with conflict like the Onin War and the Sengoku period. Kenninji was around during those conflicts and so if you make your way to the south gate of the temple, you can see arrow punctures. For this reason, this gate is called the Yamon, the Arrow Gate, and it is the oldest standing part of the temple. Be sure to check out Kenninji if you're ever near the Gion District. 

The temple marker with the name Kenninji in kanji.

The Fûjin (left) and Raijin (right) on display.

This 11.4m x 15.7m painting adorns the ceiling of the Main Hall. The painting was made using the finest traditional paper and sumi ink and was painted by one artist in an elementary school gymnasium in Hokkaido.

 

Jôchiji (Kamakura Gozan #4)

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Jôchiji is the 4th of the Kamakura Gozan (see Kenchôji) and was built in 1283 by the Hôjô family to commemorate the untimely death of a Hôjô son. Inside are the Buddhist Trinity of Amida (Past), Shakyamuni (Present), and Maitreya/Miroku (Future). 

For the casual: 5. For the educated: 5.

Jôchiji is a great little temple to visit not too far from Kenchôji and Engakuji, and is in a quiet little area. The people there are extremely nice.

 

Jufukuji (Kamakura Gozan #3)

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Number 3 of the Kamakura Gozan (refer to Kenchôji), Jufukuji is not like most temples. Originally the ancestral home of the Kamakura Period founder Minamoto no Yoritomo, it was converted into a temple by his wife Hôjô Masako after his death. The first head priest of the temple was Eisai, the monk who is noted for formally introducing Japan to Zen Buddhism. Though her husband had passed, Masako was a guiding figure behind the Kamakura leadership from her residence in Jufukuji until she passed. She, along with her son Sanetomo (see Tsurugaoka Hachimangû) were buried on the temple grounds.

For the casual: 5. For the educated: 8.

Jufukuji holds a special place in Kamakura history because of Masako and Eisai, but the temple does not hold the same level of visual prowess that other temples in the area do. Jufukuji is well noted for its long walkway to the temple, but the temple looks like the house that it really is. Also, visitors are welcomed to the temple to collect Goshinchô (see Goshuinchô tab) but entrance to the temple is for private members only. That being said, the walkway and the front garden are beautifully maintained and the monks are very nice.