Tōfuku-ji

Tōfuku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Nakano featuring 24 sub-temples scattered across its grounds, along with stone gardens, maple trees, and traditional wooden buildings designed in the Zen style. The different sections spread across the property, combining carefully arranged gardens with natural wooded areas.

The temple was founded in 1236 when imperial chancellor Kujō Michiie selected monk Enni Ben'en as its founding priest following his studies in China. This establishment became an important center for Zen training that grew and developed through the centuries.

The temple shows Rinzai Zen Buddhism through its meditation halls, gardens, and how buildings and spaces are arranged. Walking through the grounds, you can see how design and nature work together to create an environment meant for inner focus and reflection.

The temple grounds are open daily with wide paths throughout that are accessible to most visitors. It helps to arrive early in the day, especially during autumn maple season, to avoid crowds and have a quieter experience.

The temple preserves Japan's oldest surviving communal toilet building from the Muromachi period, showing early developments in temple facilities. This rare structure offers insight into the daily practical life of monks in a medieval temple community.