The Captivating Contrast of a High-Status Zen Temple and Modern Design: A Journey to Discover a New Kyoto at Tofukuji

Hidden Behind Iconic Views: The Untold History of "Destruction and Rebirth"
Most visitors come to Tofuku-ji seeking the Tsutenkyo Bridge, the vibrant autumn foliage, and the overwhelming presence of its Zen architecture. Yet, the true allure of Tofuku-ji lies beneath its scenic beauty—in its resolute determination for rebirth. Rather than merely gazing at the temple grounds, this journey uncovers the untold trajectory of how this temple adapted to the changing times while fiercely preserving its core identity, allowing it to remain one of Kyoto’s premier cultural landmarks.

Challenging Preconceptions: Touching the Essence of the Millennium Capital
Kyoto's tradition is by no means about freezing time in the past. When a catastrophic fire about 140 years ago destroyed most of its grounds, Tofuku-ji was forced to make a choice: to simply replicate its former self, or to forge a new era. The temple chose a remarkably bold path—inviting the leading avant-garde artists of the time to drive its revival. By understanding the decisions made during this reconstruction, you will gain a profound appreciation for Kyoto as a city that sustains its cultural vitality through the seamless harmony of heritage and innovation.

Tracing the "Evolution" of Garden Art, Crafted by a Master of Tradition
The revolutionary gardens designed by Mirei Shigemori powerfully symbolize Kyoto's creative spirit. Yet, Shigemori was no mere rebel. He personally surveyed hundreds of celebrated gardens across Japan, loving and understanding their history and conventions more deeply than anyone else. Precisely because he had completely mastered traditional forms, he was capable of evolving them for the next generation rather than just copying the past. Our journey takes you from Tofuku-ji’s Honbo (Main Abbot's Hall) Garden to two of its even more serene sub-temples, Fundain and Komyoin. By retracing the footsteps of this pioneering master through a series of gardens that are simultaneously ancient and modern, the true depth of Japanese aesthetics will unfold before you with a sense of wonder. Come and experience the intellectual joy that only a curated journey like this can offer.

9:00 : Meet in front of FamilyMart Nakai Tofukuji Store

9:10 : Tofukuji Temple Grounds

10:35 : Fundain Temple

11:15 : Komyo-in Temple

12:00 : Tour concludes on site

◎ English-speaking local guide
◎ Admission fees for Tofukuji
◎ Admission fees for Fundain Temple
◎ Admission fees for Komyo-in Temple
× Transportation costs

Boasting over 700 years of history, Tofuku-ji is a highly prestigious temple ranked among the Kyoto Gozan—the five finest Zen temples in Kyoto. Its vast grounds, which once served as a bustling epicenter of cutting-edge culture and scholarship, still breathe with historic architectural masterpieces that reflect the pinnacle of medieval authority. Among these are the Sanmon Gate, Japan's oldest surviving Zen temple gate, and the Zendo, the country's oldest and largest Zen meditation hall.

Yet, seamlessly interwoven with these ancient structures is a timeless, pioneering aesthetic. When recovering from a catastrophic fire roughly 140 years ago, Tofuku-ji chose a bold path: rather than simply replicating its lost past, it flexibly embraced the most progressive creative visions of the day.

Today, visitors can look up at the ceiling of the Main Hall to see the breathtaking Soryu-zu (Blue Dragon) swirling with life—masterfully painted by modern Japanese art icon Insho Domoto—while exploring the Hojo (Abbot's Quarters), where the avant-garde gardens of Mirei Shigemori unfold.

"The coexistence of the ancient and the modern" is the truly unparalleled allure of Tofuku-ji

Mirei Shigemori (1896–1975) was one of the most prominent landscape architects of the 20th century, leaving behind numerous garden masterpieces throughout the temples and shrines of Kyoto.

Originally aspiring to be a painter, Shigemori immersed himself deeply into the essence of Japanese aesthetics, mastering the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and art history. When he eventually discovered the world of garden design, he was struck by a profound sense of urgency, fearing that "Japan's cultural treasures would be lost forever" if left neglected. This drive led him to spend five years conducting rigorous, hands-on surveys of classical gardens all across Japan, ultimately compiling his findings into a monumental 26-volume compendium. Precisely because he understood the framework and rules of tradition more perfectly than anyone else, he refused to settle for mere imitation or "preservation." Instead, he took a bold leap into the avant-garde, evolving tradition into the modern era.

This core philosophy is what propelled his lifelong pursuit of the "Eternal Modern."

To Shigemori, the eternal modern was not a passing trend of its time, but a timeless, unfading beauty that remains perpetually fresh across decades and centuries.

He possessed the rare insight to perceive a universal "newness" already sleeping within ancient forms. He believed that a firm foundation in tradition is exactly what allows us to look at the beauty within the past with entirely fresh eyes. Even today, his gardens continue to captivate visitors, quietly inviting them to rediscover Kyoto and Japanese culture from a completely new perspective.

・Your reservation will be confirmed upon a reply from Sharing Kyoto.
・Please book at least 2 days in advance so that we can build the best experience for you.
・Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply. Minors must obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before applying. Elementary school children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
・The experience may be canceled or postponed at short notice due to traffic or other unforeseen conditions.
・Survey responses or reviews may be shared on our website or social media.

・Free of charge for cancellations up to 3 days prior to the tour date, 100% for cancellations 2 days or less prior to the tour date.
・Special Cases (Natural disaster, virus, etc.): Full refund.
・Transaction fees for refunds in the event of cancellation will be borne by the customer.
・Please contact us if you will be more than 5 minutes late. If you are late without notice, we may have to treat your booking as a cancellation. Please be aware of this policy.