Tuesday 16 November 2010

Kyoto - Tokufuji

Tofukuji is a large Zen temple in southeastern Kyoto that is particularly famous for its spectacularautumn colors. The temple was founded in 1236 at the behest of the powerful Fujiwara clan. Its name is a combination of the names of two great temples in Nara that were also associated with the Fujiwara,Todaiji Temple and Kofukuji Temple



Tofukuji has historically been one of the principal Zen temples in Kyoto, and is a head temple of one of the schools of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.

In autumn, people come from all over Japan to see Tofukuji's autumn colors. The most popular view is of the Tsutenkyo Bridge, which spans a valley of lush maple trees. The view from the bridge is equally spectacular, and the 100 meter long, covered walkway becomes extremely crowded when the colors reach their peak, usually around mid to late November.


Baba with Hannah and Rika






The Hojo, the head priest's former living quarters, is one of Tofukuji's two paid areas. Rock gardens were often built alongside hojo buildings, but the gardens at Tofukuji's Hojo are unique for surrounding the building on all sides. The Hojo was most recently reconstructed in 1890 while the gardens are relatively modern creations dating from the late 1930s.





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