The temple was constructed in 1550 by resident priest Kogaku Reisho. Inside
the Bishamondo Hall, where partitions are decorated with tiger images, the Bishamonten
statue is kept. It is a wooden statue of 150cm in height, or approximately life-size,
and was created in the Heian Period (794 - 1192).
It will be opened to the public only for this special event.
Its left hand holds a treasure tower, while its right hand holds a trident.
It was actually hidden above the ceiling of the Tofukuji Butsuden for a long time,
but was discovered in the Edo Period (1603 - 1868), taken out, and worshipped
in Shorinji Temple.
The Kisshoten (Mahasri) and Zennishi Doji statues on either side were created
in the Edo Period, and their clothing maintains colorful designs even today.
There are also numerous other Buddhist statues that were passed from various area
temples that existed before the establishment of Tofukuji Temple.
There is also a woodblock said to have been created by the Japanese artist Tamura
Gessho when he was 16, as well as other temple treasures which are scheduled to
be displayed.
SPECIAL OPENINGS
Tofuku-ji Temple Shorin-ji Temple
Not normally open to the public.
Several decades ago, this temple was open to the public, but was closed until
its long awaited opening this winter. It features a Buddha statue from the Heian
Period (794-1192)
This 150 cm tall life-sized statue wears armor and a helmet, and carries a trident in one hand and a small tower in another.
This is said to be the god of victory in battle. Also, because the Bishamonten’s servant is said to be a tiger, the walls are adorned with tiger paintings.
Address : 15-778, Hommachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, 605-0981
Access : JR and Keihan Rlwys: Tofukuji -walk 10 min; City Bus: Tofukuji -walk 10 min
Time of opening to the public : 10:00 - 16:00
Admission fees : 600 yen.
Period of opening to the public : January 10 - March 18, 2009.
*May be closed for Buddhist service without notice.
