Zenrin-ji (Eikando)

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Zenrin-ji (Eikando)

One of the famous spots for vivid vermilion fall foliage in Kyoto.

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Known as Eikando, this is the head temple of Jodo Sect’s Seizan-Zenrinji School. It was opened in 853 as a practice place of Shingon faith by Reverend Kukai’s disciple, Shinjo. After the 7th-generation Eikan entered the temple in 1072, it has been gradually turned into a place for Jodo chanting practice.

Raved as “Maple Eikando,” this temple is known for one of the best fall sceneries in Kyoto. In the peak season around mid November, nearly 3000 maple trees put bright fall colors on the grounds, creating astonishing pictures with the massive historical halls and a pagoda at the midpoint of the mountain. At the center of the temple grounds, maple trees are planted around the large Hojo Pond. You can see the fantastical reflection of up-side-down maple trees on the pond. Besides autumn, green maple leaves with a refreshing impression are popular as well and enjoyed for longer seasons.

The revered main deity, Amida Nyorai’s statue stands with her face looking diagonally back, thus, called “Looking-back Amida.” The temple has a lot of paintings and other treasures, which are shown to the public every November.

Highlights

  • One of the best fall color spots in Kyoto. The peak season is from mid to late November.
  • Green maple in summer is also popular.
  • The main deity is known as “Looking-back Amida.”

Photos

  • “Maple Eikando” is one of the best sceneries in Kyoto

    “Maple Eikando” is one of the best sceneries in Kyoto

  • At the center of the temple grounds, maple trees add fall colors to the Hojo Pond

    At the center of the temple grounds, maple trees add fall colors to the Hojo Pond

  • During the fall treasure exhibition, the grounds are lit up

    During the fall treasure exhibition, the grounds are lit up

  • Lit-up maple trees

    Lit-up maple trees

  • Green maple in summer is also lovely

    Green maple in summer is also lovely

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If possible, please also let us know the language you speak)

A

English pamphlets available.

Q

Do you have temple’s red ink stamps?

A

We give the stamp between 9am and 4pm. Sometimes, due to events and circumstances, we may not give out the stamp, but the stamped card.

Q

Is parking available?

A

Except during the fall special treasure exhibition, a parking lot is available for visitors.

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Yes

Reviews

1
  • 高偉辰

    我的最愛的就是永觀堂~在11月下旬左右是最佳賞楓時期~如果沒去永觀堂就像沒有真正看過京都最美的楓葉啊!

Details

Name in Japanese
禅林寺(永観堂)
Postal Code
606-8445
Address
48 Eikandocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Telephone
075-761-0007
Closed
Open every day
Business Hours
9:00am - 5:00pm(Admission allowed until 4:00pm)
Admission
Eikando Hall: Adult 600 yen, High / middle / elementary schooler 400 yen
Directions
From JR Kyoto Station, ride the Kyoto Municipal Bus Route 5, get off at “Nanzenji Eikando” Stop, and walk 3 min.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)