Kyoto Station to Toji Temple
Kyoto Station - Toji Temple - Tofukuji Temple 京都駅～東寺～東福寺
Overview
Kyoto Station is the massive gateway to the ancient city. Just north of it is Kyoto Tower, which is best seen at night, from a distance, when it is not quite as overwhelming. Inside are gift shops selling trinkets. It is beautiful at night and from the top it affords a wonderful view of the city. Otherwise, it is a cheesy tourist trap for junior high students best avoided.
Toji Temple is due south, and features the pagoda you saw from the bullet train as you arrived. It is a World Heritage Site established in 796 C.E. that was the setting for parts of Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon. Toji Temple is affiliated with the Shingon sect and is associated with Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai). Kukai was the head priest at Toji from 823.
Tofukuji Temple is one of the so-called Kyoto Gozan - five great Zen temples of Kyoto. It is a large complex famous for its fall colors.
Getting to the Starting Point
If you are coming from downtown, head down Karasuma Dori - or take a side street for fewer cars - to Kyoto Station.
This ride will take about 15 minutes – and is only one way of getting there.
Tofukuji Temple
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Tofukuji Temple
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Directions (Map Below)
If you are coming from downtown, head down Karasuma Dori - or take a side street for fewer cars - to Kyoto Station. To get around Spaceship Kyoto Station, there are three bike-friendly options: Kiyamachi, Kawaramachi, Horikawa. At each of these streets, you will find a bike/pedestrian lane that takes you under the tracks to the other side of the Station.
Ride south to Toji Dori, and turn right (west). You will ride past the Aeon Shopping Mall, then under the Kintestu Railways Nara Line. Toji is about 5 minutes from there directly in front of you.
After visiting Toji Temple, to get to Tofukuji Temple, go back east on Kujo Dori, which in places does have bike only lanes. Go over a bridge that spans train tracks - it is narrow on the sidewalks but can be negotiated on a bike - until you get to the other side. In front of you is the Red Cross Hospital. Turn right here. Tofukuji Temple is back up on the right.
Total Riding Time
Two hours riding time from City Hall to Tofukuji Temple.
Toji Temple
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Toji Temple Lantern
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More Information
Toji Temple
Kujuo-cho 1, Minami-Ku, Kyoto, Japan
500 yen to Main Hall (otherwise free)
Tofukuji Temple
15-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
075 561 0087
Entrance Fee: 500 yen
Hi no De Yu Public Bath
Closed Thursdays
075 561 0087
Entrance Fee: 410 yen
Map
Kyoto Station - Toji Temple - Tofukuji Temple Route
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