Zenrinji (Eikandō) Temple

Place of worship • 48 Eikandōchō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8445, Japan

4.6(7680 reviews)

Breathtaking Beauty of Eikando Temple in Autumn

A Panoramic View of Kyoto's Autumn Foliage

Eikando Temple is renowned as one of Kyoto's representative autumn foliage spots. The temple grounds are home to approximately 3,000 maple trees, which create a vibrant red carpet amidst the greenery during the season. The exquisite shades of red, orange, and yellow resemble a natural work of art.

A Fascinating World of Night Illumination

During the night light-up period, a different fantastical scene unfolds, shrouding the illuminated foliage in a mystical atmosphere. The reflection of the scenery in the pond is as beautiful as a painting. In contrast to the daytime bustle, visitors can savor the elegant charm of Eikando Temple in the quiet serenity.

Unique Charms of the Ancient Temple

Eikando Temple, established in 863 AD, is an ancient temple with a history dating back centuries. Unique attractions such as the unusual

Tourist attraction Place of worship Point of interest Establishment

Reviews

5(a week ago)

Robert Rankin

One of our favourite temples in Kyoto, just before the start of the Philosophers Path. Had access to the buildings and gardens. Beautifully set garden with a view of the main temple and pagoda. Nowhere near as busy as other sights in Kyoto, but just as scenic. Highly recommend.

5(a month ago)

Bruno Rodríguez Armesto

Came here at 4pm when the person in the ticket booth was putting the “closed” sign, but still let us go through and buy tickets. We visited the temple when it was almost empty, and it was an amazing experience, much smaller and more personal than other grandiose spots around Kyoto. The interior of the temple was incredible and the different shrines and the pagoda and the well kept gardens made it a truly magical spot.

5(in the last week)

Lulu

Loveeeee this temple! It definitely looks better in autumn but it’s not as packed during the hotter days. There’s a small fee but it’s worth it! You need to take off your shoes when you enter the temple itself but they provide slippers. You can’t take photos or certain rooms inside the temple. There are elevators inside the temple as well.

5(3 months ago)

Anne Fernando

Autumn is definitely the best season to visit this temple. Expect a short waiting time to buy tickets and a huge crowd when you get inside. Best to go here early if you want less people around. Main buildings are connected by wooden corridors so make sure to spot where the entry point starts. Hojo Pond has an island in the middle which contains a very small shrine. There's also a nice 2-storey pagoda within this temple.

5(2 weeks ago)

Jan Chlouba

Absolute oasis of calm. Beautiful ancient temple with a gorgeous zen garden and long walkway between the buildings of the shrine. Much less crowded than other temples in Kyoto.

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