Breathtaking View at Zen Temple in KYOTO 🍂 | Tofukuji Beautiful in every Season - POV Photography

As you step into Tofukuji Temple (東福寺), the air feels different—crisp, serene, and touched by history. The most popular structure on the premise is Tsutenkyo Bridge (通天橋). This is what people travel from all over Japan to see—especially in autumn. The bridge stretches across a valley filled with 2,000 vibrant maple trees, their leaves burning in shades of crimson, orange, and gold. The contrast of the dark wooden bridge against this fiery sea of foliage is breathtaking. Many pause here, lost in the beauty, while others whisper softly, as if not to disturb the natural harmony.

Beyond Tsutenkyo, you find the Gaunkyo Bridge (臥雲橋)—a lesser-known but equally stunning spot. Unlike Tsutenkyo, which requires an admission fee, Gaunkyo is free to visit and offers a spectacular panoramic view of the valley. It’s a secret tip for those who want a perfect photo without the crowds.

Other famous structures on the site are Sanmon Gate (三門), towering above with its dark wooden beams, a National Treasure that has stood since the 15th century. The Hondo (本堂, Main Hall), rebuild after a destructing fire in 1881 and, the Hojo (方丈), the former Abbot’s Hall. Surrounding it are some of Kyoto’s most famous Zen gardens, carefully designed by Mirei Shigemori. Here, karesansui (枯山水, dry landscape gardens) take the form of meticulously raked white gravel, moss-covered stones, and minimalistic patterns—a stark contrast to the vibrant chaos of the maple trees outside. Each garden represents a different element: water, time, and enlightenment. Sitting by these gardens, you feel the essence of Zen philosophy come to life.

As the sun starts to set, the temple grounds glow in the soft golden light of late afternoon. Visitors linger, taking in their final moments before exiting through the ancient gates. Some head to nearby tea houses, where warm bowls of matcha and traditional wagashi sweets offer a perfect ending to a day of beauty and contemplation.

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🥚Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:24 Gaunkyo Bridge / The Famous Photo Spot
01:20 Inner Ground
02:44 Tsutenkyo Bridge
04:23 Hojo / Abbot's Quarters
04:59 Kaisando / Founder's Hall & Gardens
07:30 Sengokukan Canyon / Cherry Blossom
11:31 Sammon Gate / Oldest Zen Gate
12:22 Shrine / Bell Tower

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🥚Locations
⦁ Tōfuku-ji Temple, Kyoto, Japan
東福寺, 京都市, 日本

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🥚Tamago's Gear
⦁ DJI Osmo Pocket 3
⦁ Canon EOS D Mark II
⦁ Sony FDR-AX700

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🥚 Disclaimers
⦁ Prices are calculated on date of publishing.
⦁ Prices can vary based on the seasons.

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#japan #japantravel #kyoto #temple #buddhism #photography