During cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, many people visit Kyoto from all over, making it crowded even on weekdays. Therefore, it is recommended to visit Kyoto in summer and winter, when it is relatively less crowded. This summer, one of the att.JAPAN editorial members, who doesn’t like crowds, attended a press tour for the “Let’s Go to Kyoto” campaign, and enjoyed Kyoto in a relaxing atmosphere while avoiding crowds. For those who want to refresh themselves away from their daily life, this article introduces a sensation you can experience only in summer in Kyoto.
“Let’s Go to Kyoto”(“Soda Kyoto, Iko”) is a campaign started by JR Central in 1993, celebrating the 30th anniversary this year. For the summer of 2024, the campaign has been launched under the theme “Healing from Kyoto.” Various tours and events are being offered, which allow you to refresh yourself both physically and mentally in Kyoto! https://souda-kyoto.jp/other/summer2024/
Tofukuji Temple
Established in 1236, Tofukuji Temple is conveniently located only one station from Kyoto Station by train. The first thing that impressed me was those majestic buildings on the huge grounds. There are many architectural structures, which have been designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties, on the temple grounds. With a ground area of about 240,000 sq. meters, it is said to be the largest Zen temple in Kyoto.
Tsuten-kyo Bridge Famous as a great viewing spot for autumn leaves, Tsuten-kyo Bridge on the temple grounds is crowded with people in autumn. This time, I visited this place in early summer, and could see a different kind of beauty, which was definitely distinct from that in autumn, in the landscape with about 2,000 Japanese maple trees with fresh green leaves! I felt like I owned this mystical -like view, probably because it was not busy, which happens only in summer.
Tsuten-kyo Bridge surrounded by fresh green leaves
A view form Tsuten-kyo Bridge
Another view from Tsuten-kyo Bridge, with green maple leaves creating a mystical-like atmosphere.
“Tour of Greatest Treasures” (“Shiho-meguri”), a special viewing tour available for only five groups per day. While you can enjoy viewing historic buildings from outside while strolling around the huge grounds, you can actually go inside those buildings with this tour! Participants of the “Tour of Greatest Treasures” can go inside the Hondo main hall, which is normally not open to the public, as well as the Komyo Hoden treasure hall and Zendo meditation hall.
Inside the Hondo main hall
Powerful drawing of a dragon on the ceiling of Hondo
In the Komyo Hoden building, you can see several statues of Buddha, which are National Important Cultural Properties.
I was very impressed that I could see the statues of Buddha from the Heian Period (794-1185) and Kamakura Period (1185-1333), which are usually stored securely in an air-conditioned room, so close-up!
For more details about “Tour of Greatest Treasures,” please check here。
Sanmon Gate Sanmon Gate at Tofukuji Temple is a National Treasure, which is usually open during a special exhibition for a limited time only. However, I could go inside the gate as part of the press tour.
Sanmon gate, one of the tallest gates in Japan, with a height of about 22 meters.
Go up the stairs and you can get a panoramic view of Kyoto City from the gate.
I could even see the Kyoto Tower!
A view from Sanmon gate
I could not only walk on the National Treasure and enjoy the view, but also see the Buddha statues, including the statue of Juroku Rakan (Sixteen Arhats).
As Tofukuji Temple is located close to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Kyoto, it would be a good idea for you to visit both on the same trip.
Access
Tofukuji Sta. (JR/Keihan Line)→10 min walk, or Kyoto Sta.→15 min by city bus→Tofukuji stop→4 min walk
Business hours
Apr.-Oct. 9:00-16:00, Nov.-first Sunday of Dec. 8:30-16:00, first Monday of Dec.-Mar. 9:00-15:30
Regular holiday
Open 365 days
／Fee：Please check the official website.
Said to be reconstructed at the current location in 1662, this temple is located in Sakyo-ku in the northeastern part of Kyoto City. This cozy little temple is surrounded by Japanese maple trees and has a tranquil garden where you can completely forget about the hustle and bustle of your daily life. While the temple is especially popular with its bright red maple leaves during autumn foliage season, the fresh green maple leaves in summer are equally awesome!
Entrance to the temple
Chisen Kaiyu-shiki Teien (Japanese stroll garden with a pond at the center and walking paths around it) Sit on one of the tatami mats in the hall and look out at the garden with the pillars serving as part of an imaginary picture frame, and you will get a beautiful sight in front of you, just like a masterpiece painting.
Just looking at the garden, you can feel fully refreshed.
A sight of the garden, using the pillars as part of an imaginary photo frame.
If you want to avoid crowds and have some time to look inwardly in a quiet space, this is a perfect place for you! It is a bit far from Kyoto Station, but this hidden gem is worth visiting.
*The photos here have been taken with special permits.
*Secondary use and/or reproduction prohibited.
Access
Miyakehachiman Sta. (Eizan Line)→7 min walk, or Kyoto Sta.→1 hr by Kyoto Bus→Kanbashi stop→a short walk
Each person has their own way to heal and refresh, and some may want to walk around a temple vibrant with nature and history and others may choose a quiet time for self-reflection. Kyoto is a perfect destination for you to discover your own way to heal and refresh yourself this summer.
I am from Taiwan and currently living in Japan. I started listening to the radio for language study and this habit has become part of my life. Now my hobby is learning about lesser-known great places and information on local food all over Japan via the radio. On my days off, I visit places mainly in the Kanto area to look for seasonal views, such as those with cherry blossoms and hydrangea. I am a big fan of Arashi, a popular Japanese boy band.
