Tofuku-ji Temple — Autumn Maple Sea

**Autumn foliage timing:** Peak autumn colors occur mid-November (typically Nov 15–30, varies ±1 week annually). The temple publishes color reports on its website. Visit weekday mornings (9:00–10:00) to minimize crowds — weekends see 2-hour entry queues. Photography is banned on Tsutenkyo Bridge during peak season (November) due to congestion, but allowed from other viewing points. **Off-season advantage:** Visit outside November for serene experience without crowds. Spring (late April–May) features fresh green maple leaves (青もみじ, ao-momiji) equally beautiful in a different way — bright green canopy under blue sky. The Hojo gardens are stunning year-round (rock gardens don't depend on foliage) and receive 1/10th the visitors outside autumn. **Shigemori gardens:** The Hojo (main hall) surrounds a courtyard containing four modern karesansui gardens (1939) by Mirei Shigemori. The south garden's rock-and-moss composition represents mythological islands. The west garden uses stone pillars salvaged from temple gate foundations. The north garden's checkerboard moss-and-stone pattern is boldly geometric — controversial when created but now recognized as masterpiece blending tradition with modernism.