Eikando Zenrinji Temple
Eikando Zenrinji Temple
4.6
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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- cantabile mTokyo, Japan135 contributionsEikan-do of autumn colors Eikan-do hall said to be Autumn leaves are late in 2024 Even in late November, the gradation with the green leaves is also beautiful And it's not just about seeing the garden. Please enter the Amida hall. I want you to appreciate the Amida in return. When I visited before, I could only see the front (a long time ago) Now there are windows on the sides. I can see your face when you look back.Visited November 2024Traveled with friendsWritten December 20, 2024
- Marco TFlorence, Italy1,972 contributionsSince I didn't go during the cherry blossom period, nor in the autumn season which seems to cause an explosion of the colors of the trees, although I appreciated it, I didn't consider it among the most fascinating temple complexes in Kyoto, but there's no question that it is beautiful. Interesting is the fact that the different buildings that compose it (only some of which can be visited) are scattered throughout a forest. The pagoda stands out, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view - and this is probably what pushes many tourists to pay more attention to it than to Nanzen-ji.Visited May 2024Traveled soloWritten May 23, 2024
- LVVTakatsuki, Japan69 contributionsI wasn't familiar with this temple but I had seen it recommended in a travel guide. It was on the way from the silver pavilion so we dropped by. I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful this temple was. It's very spacious so you will need some time to explore everything. Unlike Ginkakuji, this temple was almost empty, so we could really enjoy the serene atmosphere.Visited March 2024Traveled with friendsWritten May 8, 2024
- 家庭円満Mie Prefecture, Japan10,947 contributions"Eikando" is famous for its autumn colors, but "Eikando" is also colored with fresh green green maple. I can't find the words to describe it. There are many attractions such as the "Shaka-do Hall", the "Miei-do Hall" and the "Amida-do Hall" which are connected through the central gate and by a corridor that takes advantage of the height difference leading from the main entrance of the hall of worship. Among them, the "Mikaeri Amida" which is the principal image of the "Amida-do Hall" can be visited from the front and the side in an unusual figure that tilts its head 90 degrees to the left. Also, don't miss the Seven Wonders of Eikan-do Hall such as 'Hida-bai' and 'Sanko-no-matsu' and 'Garyu-ro' made of kumiki without using nails. In addition, the garden facing various halls, the Chisen Kaiyu style garden centered on 'Hojo-ike Pond', and the Tahoto Pagoda overlooking the large precincts and overlooking the townscape of Kyoto were truly stunning, covered in fresh green green maples.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 13, 2024
- Jeff KPittsburgh, Pennsylvania2,480 contributionsI hadn’t read too much about this temple but was extremely impressed with it. The grounds were beautiful and there were some incredible interior altars. It was much larger than I anticipated and everything was first rate. It’s at the bottom of the Philosopher’s Walk and should not be missed.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 24, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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オールドボーイ
Yokohama, Japan3,313 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We lined up before the gates opened at 9:00 and walked around looking at the leaves at the same time. The leaves here are not natural, but man-made. The maples, which turn red and yellow, and are still green, are planted on the temple grounds, making for a spectacular sight. You never get bored of looking at them. At the end, there was a rest area where we had sweet sake and matcha. It was a very luxurious time to be able to enjoy sweet sake and matcha in the middle of a temple with autumn leaves. I went to Tateyama in October to see the beautiful autumn leaves and the snow that had fallen on the high peaks of Tateyama, but I thought that the beauty of the man-made autumn leaves at Eikando was not inferior to the magnificent view of Tateyama.
It was also nice that there were hardly any foreign tourists there at this early hour. We started walking from here and walked to Marutamachi via the Kyoto Museum of Art. Although there were scenes of Kyoto's townhouses here and there, the winter scenes of Kyoto's townhouses painted by Kaii Higashiyama were no longer to be seen.
It was also nice that there were hardly any foreign tourists there at this early hour. We started walking from here and walked to Marutamachi via the Kyoto Museum of Art. Although there were scenes of Kyoto's townhouses here and there, the winter scenes of Kyoto's townhouses painted by Kaii Higashiyama were no longer to be seen.

Written November 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CanuckJames
Nishinomiya, Japan1,800 contributions
Nov 2022
This is probably the most beautiful of all the temples in Kyoto.
They will give you a plastic bag. No shoes are allowed to be worn inside. (No trash can is available at the end either, you are requested to take the plastic bag away with you)
The ticket price fluctuates. During peak season, prices are about 1,000 yen.
This temple has the buddha that is looking sideways. Very unique. The story behind this is quite interesting. It's the details that make the visit even more interesting.
They have a gorgeous garden. Amazing color. We visited during the beginning of the autumn color season and it was breathtaking.
This temple is lesser known but a must see in Kyoto.
They will give you a plastic bag. No shoes are allowed to be worn inside. (No trash can is available at the end either, you are requested to take the plastic bag away with you)
The ticket price fluctuates. During peak season, prices are about 1,000 yen.
This temple has the buddha that is looking sideways. Very unique. The story behind this is quite interesting. It's the details that make the visit even more interesting.
They have a gorgeous garden. Amazing color. We visited during the beginning of the autumn color season and it was breathtaking.
This temple is lesser known but a must see in Kyoto.
Written November 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J.G.YUN
Busan, South Korea5,670 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
This temple is known by the name Zenrinji (禪林寺), which means temple in a quiet forest. However, during the fall foliage season, I think it is the most noisy place in Kyoto, contrary to the image of a quiet temple. Every part of the temple is beautiful with autumn leaves, and the scenery around the pond with autumn leaves is especially beautiful. If you visit Kyoto during fall foliage season, I highly recommend seeing the autumn leaves at Eikando.
And this Eikando is famous for having a wooden Amitabha Buddha statue in its main temple, Amida Hall, looking back rather than facing forward.
And this Eikando is famous for having a wooden Amitabha Buddha statue in its main temple, Amida Hall, looking back rather than facing forward.

Written December 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hubilie
418 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Although the leaves are only slightly red, it is already very beautiful. The road is up and down, and there are highlights from every angle. After entering, I didn't want to leave at all, and I ordered some refreshments and sat down to watch. The ticket price is 600 yen, which is very cost-effective.

Written October 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
skiin89ba
Sagamihara, Japan2,447 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
I visited on November 25th. It's been two years since my last visit. The gazebo overlooking the pond just inside the entrance has been turned into a coin locker, so the view is no longer visible. Also, the offering box on the right hand side, where you can see the face of Amida Buddha, has been removed. This is probably to avoid overcrowding. The leaves themselves have progressed quite a bit, but I think the peak is still a while away.

Written November 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hiroshi317
Yokohama, Japan332 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
One of famous autumn leaves temple.
Here is special to maintain trees during year for autumn season.
It’s said water is impotent for red leaves if few rain they put water to a lot of trees.
There are many pavilions and buds a few of them is able to take photos.
There are many visitors there but not afraid of visiting Eikando temple in autumn.
Here is special to maintain trees during year for autumn season.
It’s said water is impotent for red leaves if few rain they put water to a lot of trees.
There are many pavilions and buds a few of them is able to take photos.
There are many visitors there but not afraid of visiting Eikando temple in autumn.
Written November 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
happyyoggi
Sydney, Australia187 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Beautiful serene temple garden. Even though the leaves have yet turned red fully, the colours are already quite spectacular compared to other temples in Kyoto that are still very green.
The garden is easy to navigate and quite flat. The main temple pavilion itself has many steps if you want to visit the higher viewing platforms.
The garden is easy to navigate and quite flat. The main temple pavilion itself has many steps if you want to visit the higher viewing platforms.
Written October 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OhSwan121
Taiwan39 contributions
Nov 2019
Really miss its beautiful screen, which is absolute worth visiting in Autumn with the maple trees.
Want to be back immediately to lighten the heavy atmosphere of these two months.
真的懷念永顴堂的美麗風景, 絕對值得在滿佈楓葉的秋天前去參觀。
很想立刻回去, 減輕這兩個月的沉重氣氛。
(因字數, 抱歉要重覆了)
真的懷念永顴堂的美麗風景, 絕對值得在滿佈楓葉的秋天前去參觀。
很想立刻回去, 減輕這兩個月的沉重氣氛。
Want to be back immediately to lighten the heavy atmosphere of these two months.
真的懷念永顴堂的美麗風景, 絕對值得在滿佈楓葉的秋天前去參觀。
很想立刻回去, 減輕這兩個月的沉重氣氛。
(因字數, 抱歉要重覆了)
真的懷念永顴堂的美麗風景, 絕對值得在滿佈楓葉的秋天前去參觀。
很想立刻回去, 減輕這兩個月的沉重氣氛。
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jameshuang
Taipei, Taiwan2,002 contributions
Jan 2014 • Couples
Eikan-do (永觀堂), also called Zenrinji-temple (禪林寺), is located northeast of Kyoto station and about 7 km (4.35 mi) from city center. It was founded in 863 AD, and Emperor Seiwa (清和天皇) named the temple "Zenrin-ji". Zenrin-ji is the head temple of Jodo-shu Seizan Zenrin-ji sect (淨土宗西山禪林寺派). Jodo-shu (浄土宗, "The Pure Land Buddhism") is also known as Jodo Buddhism. Amida Hall (阿彌陀佛堂), where the famous Mikaeri Amida statue (Amitabha looking back) is located in the center of worship, is enshrined here. Besides the importance of its history in Jodo-shu, it also has the most famous fall foliage scenery in the Kyoto area.
We visited here in late November. In November, Eikan-do’s garden has many maple trees changing their colors to red. Therefore the temple also known as "Eikando in Maple Leaves." People around the world come here to enjoy the scenery. In the garden, there is another eye-catching spot – the Hojo Pond (放生池). Many streams run through the garden and flow into Hojo Pond. The bridge across the pond to the Benten shrine (弁天社) on a small island is the best object to take photos of, especially in the leaf color changing season. The best time to visit the fall foliage is the second half of November. The temple is open in the evening with special illuminations. Unfortunately, we did not have time to stay till night. Because it is so beautiful, there were way too many visitors so we could not find a place to take a rest. You need to be patient in order to find the good spots to take photos. Just like most of the temples and gardens in Japan, tripods are not allowed in the precincts and no photos are allowed inside the temple. Remember to leave the tripod at the hotel. You need to purchase the tickets for both the daytime and evening visits during the fall evening illumination.
The walk is about 15-20 minutes from the nearest Keage subway station on the Tozai Line, or around five minutes from the Nanzenji-Eikando-michi bus stop. The Eikan-do opens from 9:00 to 17:00. The admission costs 600 yen (autumn daytime: 1000 yen, autumn nighttime: 600 yen).
We visited here in late November. In November, Eikan-do’s garden has many maple trees changing their colors to red. Therefore the temple also known as "Eikando in Maple Leaves." People around the world come here to enjoy the scenery. In the garden, there is another eye-catching spot – the Hojo Pond (放生池). Many streams run through the garden and flow into Hojo Pond. The bridge across the pond to the Benten shrine (弁天社) on a small island is the best object to take photos of, especially in the leaf color changing season. The best time to visit the fall foliage is the second half of November. The temple is open in the evening with special illuminations. Unfortunately, we did not have time to stay till night. Because it is so beautiful, there were way too many visitors so we could not find a place to take a rest. You need to be patient in order to find the good spots to take photos. Just like most of the temples and gardens in Japan, tripods are not allowed in the precincts and no photos are allowed inside the temple. Remember to leave the tripod at the hotel. You need to purchase the tickets for both the daytime and evening visits during the fall evening illumination.
The walk is about 15-20 minutes from the nearest Keage subway station on the Tozai Line, or around five minutes from the Nanzenji-Eikando-michi bus stop. The Eikan-do opens from 9:00 to 17:00. The admission costs 600 yen (autumn daytime: 1000 yen, autumn nighttime: 600 yen).
Written December 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vacationingturtles
21 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
We visted the garden first thing in the morning when it opened. It was so peaceful and serene. All the different gardens were so beautiful. Much more lovely than on pictures. It was about 30 minutes by bus from Kyoto station. The silver pagoda and philosopher's path is a short walk away. We heard that this place can be full of your buses, so go early and have a wonderful experience.
Written July 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ciao, quanto tempo occorre per visitare l'Eikan-do ?
Grazie.
Andrea
Written March 10, 2019
Hi, few questions here.
1) Is this a good place for marriage proposal in mid October (15th-21st)? Need advice especially from those who have visited this place in October.
I have never been here and would like it to be memorable by having (i) her immerse in Japanese vibe and culture as she likes Japan, (ii) photo friendly environment as she likes posting on Instagram. Can anyone comment on this pls?
2) Is there maple tree (something unique) setting in mid October? It's added bonus if anyone can share pictures of how the place looks like in October.
3) Otherwise, I would welcome any other suggestion? Price isn't an issue as long as it's within reasonable means.
Thanks everyone.
Written July 30, 2018
Hello,
I am visiting Kyoto 7th-12th Jan 2019. Are the gardens worth visiting in winter? Thanks so much.
Written July 23, 2018
Hello,
I am visiting Kyoto 7th-12th Jan 2019. Are the gardens worth visiting in winter? Thanks so much.
Written July 23, 2018
How Long would you need to spend here? I have a 1 year old daughter with me.
Written February 23, 2018
An hour would be a good amount of time. Lots of walking and steps if you want to see the temple. May not be easy with a stroller unless you just stay in the gardens, in which case an hour may be long. It also depends on the time of year you go too. In the fall, it can be spectacular with the fall colors,
Written February 24, 2018
Do you have to pay for entrance if you only want to visit the garden area? Which area is chargeable for entry?
Written September 17, 2017
As with a vast majority of temples with gardens , entry to gardens can only be accessed by paying entry fees .
Enjoy the garden .
If you want to know about a coin laundry in Kyoto , can advise the one which is closest to the station .
Written September 17, 2017
永観堂自体の桜は確認してませんが、ホームページをご覧頂くと加倉が確認できます。また、近くの南禅寺や蹴上でも桜は楽しむことが出来ますので、ご安心してお出かけください。
Written April 9, 2017
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