An impressive collection of wooden buildings
Tofukuji Temple is the head temple of the Tofukuji branch of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism and was founded in 1236.
The Sanmon Gate is designated as a national treasure of Japan. When I visited, there were lotus flowers blooming in the pond in front, and it felt like I was connected to the land of Buddha.
The second floor of this gate houses the Crowned Shaka Nyorai (Sakyamuni) statue and the Sixteen Arhat statues. It is usually closed to the public, but you can climb it on special occasions.
The photo below is of the main hall taken from the second floor of the Sanmon Gate.
Inside the main hall, statues of the Shaka Trinity and the Four Heavenly Kings are placed at the front. On the ceiling is a painting of a dragon by Insho Domoto. He was one of Japan’s leading painters of the early 1900s.
Next to the main hall is a Zen hall. Rebuilt in 1347, this is the oldest zazen training center in Japan. This building has been designated an Important Cultural Property. It is said that in the past, more than 400 monks trained here.
In Zen temples, in addition to the zendo, the toilet and the bathhouse are important training areas where talking is not permitted. Within the grounds of Tofukuji Temple, there is also an ancient toilet and bathhouse. Each of these has also been designated an Important Cultural Property.
Three famous wooden bridges
Tofukuji Temple has three wooden bridges.
When you walk from Tofukuji Station, the first thing you see is Gaunkyo Bridge.
If you look towards the temple grounds halfway across the bridge, you will be able to see Tsutenkyo Bridge, which we will introduce next.
Cross the Gaun Bridge, go through the gate, and head to your left to find the paid viewing area. Once you enter here you will find Tsutenkyo Bridge.
Below the bridge is a valley. During the autumn foliage season you can see some very beautiful scenery. However, it gets very crowded on weekends.
The other Engetsukyo Bridge is located further back within the temple grounds.
A Japanese garden with a variety of scenery
Tofukuji Temple has many Japanese gardens. At Kaisan-do Hall, located just across Tsutenkyo Bridge, there is a garden centered around a pond.
The Hojo has four gardens designed by Mirei Shigemori. It is an unusual structure in which gardens are built on the north, south, east and west sides of the building.
Among them, I especially like the South Garden. This is a dry landscape garden, with rock formations representing Mount Horai and white sand representing the sea.
Nirvana Ceremony in March
Various events are held at Tofukuji Temple throughout the year. Among them, the Nirvana Ceremony held every year from March 14th to 16th is highly recommended.
The Great Nirvana Painting, measuring approximately 12 meters (39.3 ft) in length and 6 (19.7 ft) meters in width, will be on display. Nirvana paintings depict the scene where people, animals, and others gather around the Buddha after his death.
This is not something that usually draws cats. However, the Nirvana painting at Tofukuji Temple depicts a cat.
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