重楊文化財の仏殿、薬師如来と十二神将が安置されています。
1 / 10

Tokoji Temple Kofu

4.3
·212 reviews·Kofu, Japan

A serene Zen temple with a rich samurai history, featuring a beautiful garden and an Important Cultural Property Buddhist hall.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Enjoy the garden's beauty

CrowdLow
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重楊文化財の仏殿、薬師如来と十二神将が安置されています。

Tokoji Temple Kofu

Best Time

Summer mornings

Enjoy the garden's beauty

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Zen temple with a rich samurai history, featuring a beautiful garden and an Important Cultural Property Buddhist hall.

4.3
(212 reviews)

"A very beautiful temple off the beaten path, with very fine classic buildings and a lovely garden."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Car Recommended for Access

Easier to reach by car; public transport can be lengthy. Plan your route!

💰 Garden Entry Fee

A small fee grants access to the stunning garden and a helpful pamphlet. Great value!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Elegant Zen Buddhist Hall

Elegant Zen Buddhist Hall

Main temple building

A magnificent, vividly colored Zen-style hall, designated an Important Cultural Property.

Rankei Doryu's Garden

Rankei Doryu's Garden

Garden in front of the Buddhist hall

A beautifully maintained Zen garden with rugged rocks, perfect for peaceful contemplation.

Takeda Yoshinobu's Grave

Takeda Yoshinobu's Grave

Cemetery

The resting place of Takeda Shingen's eldest son, adding a layer of historical intrigue.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing Tokoji Temple

Tokoji Temple is a bit off the beaten path, and many visitors note that having a car is the easiest way to get there. Public transport options exist but can be time-consuming. Plan your journey in advance, especially if relying on buses.

Understanding Temple Access

While the temple grounds and gardens are accessible, direct entry into the main buildings may be restricted as it's a training temple for priests. Check for any specific visiting hours or access limitations before your visit to manage expectations.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Enjoy the garden's beauty
Crowd
Low
When
Iris blooming season
Why
Garden is particularly stunning
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Japan's Mount Fuji got the season's first snow but it was 21 days later than usual, according to the Kofu Local Meteorological Observatory. #japan #fuji #snow #weather
@reuters
209.6K likes • 7M views

🚗 Car Recommended for Access

Easier to reach by car; public transport can be lengthy. Plan your route! Reddit

💰 Garden Entry Fee

A small fee grants access to the stunning garden and a helpful pamphlet. Great value! Reddit

🚶 Explore the Grounds

Wander the narrow pathways for a peaceful and immersive experience. Reddit

📜 Informative Pamphlet

The garden pamphlet is detailed and worth keeping for later reading. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Car Recommended for Access

Easier to reach by car; public transport can be lengthy. Plan your route! Reddit

💰 Garden Entry Fee

A small fee grants access to the stunning garden and a helpful pamphlet. Great value! Reddit

🚶 Explore the Grounds

Wander the narrow pathways for a peaceful and immersive experience. Reddit

📜 Informative Pamphlet

The garden pamphlet is detailed and worth keeping for later reading. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(212 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Tokoji Temple is praised for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful Zen garden, and significant historical connections, particularly to the Takeda clan. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds and the informative garden pamphlet. However, its remote location and limited access to interior buildings are noted drawbacks.

"This is a very beautiful temple off the beaten path, with very fine classic buildings and a lovely garden - visited in July 2024. Peaceful, quiet and recommended entirely! I believe it is a temple where priests are in training, so there was no access into the buildings."

Ian Robertson

"Very well kept shrine with lovely raked stone garden. Hard to access without a car."

D. T. C. Wee

"This temple was rebuilt as a Zen temple by Rankei Doryu, the founder of Kenchoji Temple, the first of the Five Mountains of Kamakura, who was exiled to Kai Province at the time.

The elegant Zen-style Buddhist hall is magnificent, and the overall brown color is vivid. It is truly beautiful. Personally, I think it deserves to be designated a National Treasure on the same level as other Zen temples such as Engakuji and Seihakuji, but it seems that many parts, such as the exterior walls, are later additions, so it has been designated an Important Cultural Property. The garden in front of the Buddhist hall is also beautifully maintained.

You can also view the garden, said to have been designed by Rankei Doryu, for 300 yen, and you are given a wonderful pamphlet that I think would probably be sold for that price alone at a more famous temple. I think I would have purchased it even if it had been sold separately, so reading it after I got home made me feel like I'd gotten a great deal.
There are seats in front of the garden, which is full of rugged, harsh-looking rocks, typical of Zen Buddhism, and you can enjoy a luxurious moment of leisurely gazing at the scenery and letting time pass slowly.

In one corner of the cemetery with its back to the temple is the grave of Takeda Yoshinobu, Takeda Shingen's eldest son. When I visited, for some reason I ended up being shown around by an elderly person who seemed to be a history buff."

シンディパンダー

What People Like

Peaceful and quiet atmosphere
Beautifully maintained Zen garden
Rich historical significance

What People Dislike

Difficult to access without car
Limited building access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most convenient way to reach Tokoji Temple is by car, as it's located off the main routes. Public transportation is available but can involve multiple transfers and longer travel times. Visitors often recommend checking local bus schedules in advance if not driving. Reddit

Yes, it is possible to reach Tokoji Temple via public transport, typically involving bus routes from Kofu Station. However, the journey can be time-consuming, and a car is generally preferred for ease of access. Reddit

From Kofu Station, you can take a bus towards the temple. It's advisable to consult current bus timetables as routes and frequencies can change. Driving offers more flexibility and direct access. Reddit

Yes, there are parking facilities available for visitors who arrive by car, making it a convenient option for those exploring the Yamanashi Prefecture. Reddit

Tokoji Temple is located within Kofu City, but it's situated in an area that requires some travel from the central station. The exact travel time will depend on your mode of transport. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the main temple grounds is generally free, but there is a small admission fee of 300 yen to access the beautifully maintained garden. This fee includes a very informative pamphlet. Reddit

Specific opening hours for Tokoji Temple can vary, and access to buildings may be restricted as it serves as a training temple. It's best to check locally or plan for daytime visits to explore the grounds and garden. Reddit

As Tokoji Temple is a training temple for priests, direct access into the main buildings might be limited. Visitors can typically explore the temple grounds and the garden. Reddit

Yes, there is a modest admission fee of 300 yen to enter the garden, which is highly recommended for its beauty and the valuable pamphlet provided. Reddit

Information on special events or guided tours at Tokoji Temple is not widely advertised. It's a place best enjoyed for its serene atmosphere and historical significance. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Tokoji Temple features an elegant Zen Buddhist hall (an Important Cultural Property), a meticulously raked stone garden designed by Rankei Doryu, and the grave of Takeda Yoshinobu. The grounds offer a peaceful atmosphere for exploration. Reddit

Absolutely! The garden is described as beautifully maintained and offers a tranquil space with rugged Zen-style rocks. The included pamphlet is also highly praised. Reddit

Tokoji Temple has a rich history, rebuilt by prominent monks like Rankei Doryu and patronized by Takeda Shingen. It's also associated with the tragic story of Takeda Yoshinobu. Reddit

The temple's architecture and the serene garden provide excellent opportunities for photography, especially during the morning light or when irises are in bloom. Reddit

Visitors consistently describe Tokoji Temple as peaceful, quiet, and serene, offering a welcome escape from busier tourist spots. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities directly within Tokoji Temple. Visitors typically need to find dining options in Kofu City before or after their visit. Reddit

Near Tokoji Temple, you'll find local Japanese cuisine in Kofu City. This could include ramen, udon, soba, and other regional specialties. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally good practice to be respectful of temple grounds and avoid eating or drinking in sacred areas. Enjoying a picnic outside the temple might be an option. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Zen Buddhist hall, the meticulously raked garden with its unique rock formations, and the serene temple grounds offer excellent photographic opportunities. Reddit

Photography inside the main temple buildings is usually restricted, especially as it's a training temple. Focus on capturing the exterior architecture and the beauty of the garden. Reddit

Early morning light can be ideal for capturing the temple and garden with fewer crowds and softer illumination. The garden is also noted for its beauty when irises are in bloom. Reddit

There are no specific mentions of drone photography restrictions, but it's always advisable to be mindful of local regulations and the peaceful nature of the site. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tokoji Temple offers a peaceful outing for families interested in Japanese history and culture. While direct entry into buildings might be limited, the spacious grounds and the beautifully maintained garden provide areas for children to explore respectfully. The historical context, particularly the stories of Takeda Shingen and his son, can be engaging for older children interested in samurai tales. Reddit

Consider visiting during the morning to avoid the midday heat and potential crowds. The garden's visual appeal, with its unique rock formations, can also capture a child's imagination. Remember to bring water and snacks, as there are no dining facilities on-site. The ease of access by car is a significant advantage for families traveling with young children. Reddit

🚶 Solo Travelers & History Buffs

For solo travelers and history enthusiasts, Tokoji Temple is a gem. Its off-the-beaten-path location ensures a tranquil experience, allowing for deep immersion in the temple's historical significance. The detailed pamphlet accompanying the garden entry provides excellent context for understanding the temple's past, from its rebuilding by Rankei Doryu to its patronage by Takeda Shingen and the tragic story of Yoshinobu. Reddit

Take your time to wander the grounds, explore the cemetery where historical figures are buried, and contemplate the Zen garden. The peaceful atmosphere is ideal for reflection and absorbing the rich history of the region. Having a car will offer the most flexibility for solo exploration of this and other historical sites in Yamanashi Prefecture. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Historical Significance of Tokoji Temple

Tokoji Temple boasts a rich and layered history, deeply intertwined with the development of the Kai Province. Originally established at an unknown date, it was significantly rebuilt during the Kamakura period by the renowned Zen monk Rankei Doryu, who also founded Kenchoji Temple. This period saw the temple flourish as a center of Zen Buddhism. Later, during the Sengoku period, Takeda Shingen provided extensive patronage, further solidifying its importance. The temple is also famously associated with the tragic tale of Shingen's eldest son, Takeda Yoshinobu, who was imprisoned and died here after being suspected of treason. This historical backdrop adds a profound depth to the visitor experience. Reddit

The temple's Buddhist hall is a testament to its enduring legacy, having survived fires during the Takeda clan's downfall and even the Kofu air raids of World War II. It is designated as a National Important Cultural Property, housing the principal image of Yakushi Nyorai and the Twelve Heavenly Generals. The grounds also contain the graves of significant historical figures, including Takeda Yoshinobu and Suwa Yorishige, offering a tangible connection to Japan's feudal past. Reddit

Visitors often remark on the temple's status as one of the "Five Mountains of Kofu," a designation highlighting its historical and religious importance within the region. While some parts may be later additions, the overall preservation and historical narrative make Tokoji Temple a compelling destination for history enthusiasts. Reddit

Exploring the Zen Garden

The garden at Tokoji Temple is a highlight for many visitors, offering a serene and contemplative space. Said to have been designed by Rankei Doryu, it embodies the principles of Zen Buddhism with its carefully arranged, rugged rocks and meticulously raked gravel. The garden is described as having a 'rugged, harsh-looking' aesthetic, typical of Zen design, which encourages introspection and a sense of calm. Reddit

For a small fee of 300 yen, visitors gain access to this tranquil oasis. The experience is enhanced by a wonderfully detailed pamphlet provided with admission, which many reviewers found to be of exceptional value, almost worth the price alone. Sitting on the provided seats, one can spend a luxurious moment simply gazing at the scenery and letting time drift by. Reddit

The garden is particularly noted for its beauty during the iris blooming season, transforming the landscape into a vibrant spectacle. Even outside of this peak time, the garden's design and maintenance create an atmosphere of peace and understated beauty, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Tokoji Temple. Reddit

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