Nocturn Delights at the Eikando-ji Temple in Kyoto

The Eikando-ji Temple of Kyoto is a Heian period temple practicing the Shingon school of Buddhism. A view of its beautiful temple grounds in the evening was an amazing experience. During the very crowded fall foliage season, the temples of Kyoto are illuminated for visitors to admire the night scene there. Eikando-ji Temple acquired its name from the very popular head priest Yokan, who was commonly known as Eikan. Eikando means “Eikan Hall’ in Japanese. Formerly the Zenrin-ji Temple, the Eikando-ji Temple lent its former name to the very inception of Nanzen-ji Temple’s Buddhist beginning. One special feature of the Eikando-ji Temple was the unique pose of its Buddha statue. Amida, the resident Buddha at Eikando-ji Temple, has the posture of “looking back.” This came about when Yokan (Eikan) was walking around the altar as he chanted his Nembutsu. The Amida came down from the altar and led him. The priest stopped walking, as he was surprised. Amida then looked back over his left should and said, “Yokan, you are slow.” This was the story that inspired the Mikaeri-Amida statue looking back, as a reminder to followers of the Buddha’s mercy. Momiji is the Japanese word for foliage viewing in autumn. Late November is the prime time for momiji in Kyoto. Expect long queues, not just at the entrance, but throughout your walk at the temple. There is a section of the bridge where tourists must not take photographs. So crowds gather right at the point that they could take photographs to snap some beautiful shots of the pond. #eikandojitemple #zenrinjitemple #kyoto #buddhism #temple #nightphotoguide #nightphotography #nightphotos #japan #buddhisttemple #japaesehistory #momiji #redfoliage #travel