Question: What makes Chofuku-ji Temple so special? Let’s explore this serene temple in Kyoto. Chofuku-ji is a temple of the Nanzen-ji school. It belongs to the Rinzai sect. Its mountain name is Mount Obai. The principal image is Shaka Nyorai.
This temple started when the local lord’s daughter, the nun Shinri, built a hall. This was during the Nin’an era from 1166 to 1169. Later it moved to its current location. Initially, it belonged to the Tendai sect.
In 1339, the priest Gesshin Doryu entered. He converted it into a Rinzai temple. Gesshin Doryu revitalized Chofuku-ji. The temple had close ties with the Northern Court emperors. Emperor Kogon used it as his prayer hall.
During the Edo period, the Edo Shogunate gave Chofuku-ji a seal of approval.
Chofuku-ji Temple treasures many cultural assets. These include national treasures and important cultural properties. One national treasure is a colored painting on paper. It depicts Emperor Kogon with a floral garden. Another is a calligraphy piece. It is by Kokei Shukin.
Important cultural properties include a stone pagoda. There are also colored paintings on silk. One shows the death of Buddha. Another is a golden script of the Konkomyo Sutra.
Other treasures include writings related to Chofuku-ji’s history. There is a farewell poem. It is by Gesshin Doryu to Emperor Kogon. Also calligraphy works by Emperor Kogon. They include writings on Buddha’s life.
Chofuku-ji is in Nakamura-cho. It is in the Ukyo district of Kyoto.
According to temple tradition, Chofuku-ji was founded in the Asuka period. Later, it became a temple of the Soto sect. In the Edo period, it became a prayer site for the Katsura family. In 1784, Empress Kyorei-mon’in became a disciple. She helped rebuild it to pray for emperors.
Chofuku-ji became a training center for monks. It also became a temple for the Imperial family. Chofuku-ji is a temple of the Shingon sect. It belongs to the Izumi Sanji school.
One highlight is the garden. It features plants gifted by Emperor Kogon. Another highlight is the Buddha footprint stone.
Chofuku-ji is normally not open to the public. A bus from Kyoto Station will get you close. The temple is a short walk from the Nishikyogoku elementary school bus stop. The nearest train station is Nishikyogoku Station. It is a 10-minute walk away.
Consider visiting Kakushu-ji Temple. It is a short walk from Chofuku-ji. Enjoy your Kyoto tour.