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Inspiration – Tofuku-ji

tofuku-ji hall with square patterns

This past week my family came for a visit to Japan, and we spent a few days in Kyoto. One of the places we stopped by was Tofuku-ji, which is one of my favorite temples in Kyoto. Tofuku-ji is a sprawling complex of massive buildings full of unique carving and joinery; covered pathways and bridges that span a little valley full of Japanese maples; as well as a few rock and moss gardens. It really is an inspiring place so I thought I’d share some photos from our visit. Hope you enjoy.

tofuku-ji main hall
tofuku-ji sanmon main gate
tofuku-ji carving
tofuku-ji carved short post
tofuku-ji square pattern rock garden
tofuku-ji hall with square patterns
tofuku-ji rock garden
tofuku-ji doors
tofuku-ji door hardware detail
tofuku-ji gate curved rafter
tofuku-ji railing
tofuku-ji railing hardware
tofuku-ji covered bridge
tofuku-ji valley
tofuku-ji rooflines and Japanese maples

9 thoughts on “Inspiration – Tofuku-ji”

  1. I’m a Japan specialist: historian and founder/guide with Walk Japan (www.walkjapan.com). I don’t know if you are familiar with the Japanese-American artists Isamu Noguchi (sculptor) and George Nakashima (woodworker) but they both had studios in Takamatsu on Shikoku. Some excellent pieces of each of them remain there; Noguchi’s studio is preserved in the same way as his New York studio is. And the entire Inland Sea area is a contemporary art mecca. Tom

  2. Do you know what kind of product the Japanese carpenters traditionally used for sealing end grain?
    Like on the 3rd picture of your post, the ends of the rafters and brackets appear to have been painted white with some kind of paint. Is it for looks only or does it serve some kind of practical purpose?

    1. One source I’ve come across says that in the past a chalky paint, (maybe similar to milk paint?) was used, and nowadays I believe water based paints are used.

      The purpose is to seal the end grain of the exposed members to reduce moisture absorption and slow down cracking/checking.

  3. Thanks for these wonderful photos Jon. Brings back memories from 1990 when we visited the Palace Gardens in Kyoto. There is so much history to see everywhere in Japan and you have highlighted some of it.

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