[2025 Kyoto Attraction] Travel Guide for Eikan-dō (Zenrin-ji) Temple (Updated Jan)

Hey guys! Check out this 7-day Japan itinerary! This super practical guide will help you explore Japan without any pitfalls! Come and discover new ways to play! / 🎏 Itinerary suggestion: Explore Japan in depth and discover the charm of ancient capitals and modern cities! Day 1: Shijo Kawaramachi -> Pontocho Arrive on the first day, stroll through the bustling Shijo Kawaramachi, and experience the unique charm of Pontocho at night. Day 2: Arashiyama -> Sagano Scenic Railway -> Togetsukyo Bridge -> Nijo Castle -> Nishi Honganji -> Mikane Shrine Travel through the greenery of Arashiyama, take the scenic railway, visit Togetsukyo Bridge and ancient capital attractions, and experience the depth of Japanese culture. Day 3: Nanzenji -> Eikando -> Shoren-in -> Gion -> Hanamikoji -> Kenninji Visit Zen temples and gardens, experience the classical beauty of Gion, stroll along Hanamikoji, and enjoy the tranquility of Kenninji. Day 4: Kiyomizu-dera -> Sannenzaka Ninenzaka -> Yasaka Shrine -> Namba Yasaka Shrine -> Osaka Castle Park -> Osaka Castle Main Tower Pray at Kiyomizu-dera, stroll along the slopes, visit shrines, and experience the historical echoes of Osaka Castle, all in one day. Day 5: Nara Park -> Todai-ji -> Shinsaibashi -> Dotonbori Enjoy the deer in Nara and the solemnity of Todai-ji, shop at Shinsaibashi, and savor the food at Dotonbori, experiencing the charm of Japan. Day 6: Universal Studios Japan Spend the whole day at Universal Studios Japan, experiencing the fun and joy of movie themes! Day 7: Head to Kansai International Airport Head to Kansai International Airport according to your flight time and end your wonderful journey. / Attraction suggestions: 🎢 Universal Studios Japan: Here you can have the immersive experience you want! Nintendo, Minions, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter are waiting for you to explore. It's a paradise for movie and game lovers! 🌸 Osaka Castle Park: Every spring, this is a beautiful place to enjoy cherry blossoms and plum blossoms. With rich vegetation, it's a great place to relax. 🚂 Sagano Scenic Railway: Imagine taking a small train along the Hozu River during cherry blossom season, enjoying the beautiful spring scenery. How pleasant! / 🧳 Travel preparation: 📞 Remember to bring a SIM card for easy contact and internet access. Check which one is suitable. 🔌 A plug adapter is a must. Japanese sockets are different from ours, so don't forget. 🎫 Bring all your documents, including your passport, visa, and copies for backup. 👚 It's a bit cold in Japan in December, so bring a thick coat, thermal underwear, and non-slip shoes. 🔋 Chargers and power banks are important to keep your devices charged while traveling. 💊 Bring some common medicines just in case, such as cold medicine and painkillers. Prepare these things in advance for your trip to Japan, so you won't be caught off guard. / 🎉 I hope this guide helps you enjoy your trip to Japan and have an unforgettable journey! 🎉

Many friends, like me, choose popular spots such as Kiyomizu-dera, Ginkaku-ji, or Togetsukyo Bridge when visiting Kyoto to admire the autumn leaves. However, upon the recommendation of my sister's friend (who has visited Kyoto over ten times), we went to another famous spot for autumn leaves in Kyoto last year - Eikando. We were very fortunate to visit during the peak week for autumn leaves, and the weather was perfect. Our group of four took a taxi directly to the entrance of Eikando. There were many people there to enjoy the autumn leaves, so if you take a taxi, be prepared to wait patiently in line to get off, but the wait isn't too long. After buying tickets, we entered Eikando, also known as Zenrin-ji. It is said that there are three thousand maple trees inside, which is quite a number. Combined with their Japanese-style design, you can follow their designated route to tour the buildings. Here, you can appreciate their meticulously designed gardens, where every tree, flower, and blade of grass is beautiful. Then, you will see a vast landscape with small bridges, ponds, and mountain views, along with continuous trees, resembling a colorful masterpiece. Many people take photos here, but the visitors are very polite and patient. Finally, you can get a close-up view of the autumn leaves and take photos in their back garden. Every spot here is a perfect photo opportunity, so don't miss it.

A place in Kyoto I hadn't visited yet: Eikando Zenrin-ji Temple. Founded in 853 as a training hall for Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, it is now the head temple of the Jodo sect's Seizan Zenrin-ji branch. It has been famous for its autumn foliage for a long time, so much so that it is known as 'Eikando of the autumn leaves.' The green maple leaves were also very beautiful. It is also famous for its principal image, the standing statue of Amida Nyorai, known as Mikaeri Amida, which attracts many visitors from overseas. 📍Location: 48 Eikando-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 🕰️Visiting hours: [Regular visit] 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:00 PM) 💰Admission fee: Adults 600 yen, Elementary to High School students 400 yen

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. A stark contrast to the kyomizu or kinkakuju or Fushimi inari taisha, this place is borderlining being neglected which is PERFECT for me. Far from those loud and selfie-crazed foreigners mob, this temple kept its zen Best to go here early if you want less people around #songkran2024#mytravelhacks#cherryblossom2024#historicallandmarks#localguides#familytrip#trip#instatravel#goodfoods#langkawi#foodphotography#chinatown#ipoh#temples#familyfun#siemreap#edinburgh#คาเฟ่ห้ามพลาด

📍Transportation location: 48 Eikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple, Kyoto and Shinnyo-cho, Jodoji, 162-6, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 〒606-8414 Shinnyo-cho, Jodoji Abitation 🍂Environment: The maple leaves in December are still very red, catching up with the Kyoto maple leaf season, the whole Eikan-do is a different maple tree, the beauty is like the scene in the book 🍁Features: The maple leaves of Eikan-do are more concentrated, combining history and the courtyard 🏡 large maple leaves, there are professionals taking care of the fallen leaves, Shinnyo-cho viewing maple leaves is more niche, it is on the mountain and needs to be afraid of a little mountain road, viewing maple leaves is very healing 📝Note tips: You need to buy tickets to appreciate 🍁 maple leaves in Eikan-do, you need to take off your shoes to enter the venue, it is recommended to wear shoes that are easy to take off (don't ask, just say I wore boots and it was tiring to put on and take off) In addition, it is not allowed to 📷 take photos inside after wearing slippers

Some of the red leaves in Kyoto on 11.18 have already fallen, and I am satisfied with catching a few touches of red. Nanzenji Temple and Eikando Temple are about 500 meters apart. On the way back, you will also pass by the ancient blue bottle. It is very quiet and beautiful along the way, and you will feel very comfortable just walking around. Ticket🎫: 1000JPY, cash only💰, no reservation required; Souvenir 🛍️: The maple leaves in Yongguantang 🍁 are very unique!

#tripaway stunning scenery at Elian-do Zenrin-ji during autumn. You will probably get lost of time in here. #autumn #prettiesttravelspot #tripaway

Kyoto is rich in history and culture, with several must-visit temples, particularly around Kyoto University, which is the main route recommended in this article. Nanzen-ji Temple - Tenju-an Temple - Eikando Temple - Philosopher's Path - Ginkaku-ji Temple This route is like a meditation and relaxation path that can fill your day in Kyoto. Start your morning at Nanzen-ji Temple, where the ancient architecture and lush greenery bring peace to the mind. 'Zen' is the core of these places, and the 'Karesansui' (dry landscape garden) is a significant highlight of this journey. Clear water, green leaves, and charming architecture are harmoniously designed to complement each other. Strolling through these scenes makes one linger and savor the beauty. After leaving Eikando Temple, you can walk along the Philosopher's Path towards Ginkaku-ji Temple, also known as Jisho-ji Temple. The path is accompanied by open flowers and water, making it a favorite spot for quiet contemplation. There are also several great cafes along the Philosopher's Path where you can take a break and recharge. If you visit during the cherry blossom season, the entire path becomes a breathtaking cherry blossom road. Although Ginkaku-ji Temple may not be as famous as Kinkaku-ji Temple, it is no less impressive and even more charming in its own way.

I want to share my experience of visiting Kyoto for the autumn leaves in 2023. From December 7th to 12th last year, I traveled to Kansai and was lucky enough to catch the last wave of autumn leaves. Although some spots weren't at their peak, about 70% of the leaves were still vibrant. Moreover, the leaves were delayed this year, so I hit the peak season perfectly. The most important thing☝️! The weather was clear and sunny, the air was crisp, and the sunlight was perfect. Walking around felt very comfortable! No need for an umbrella, and no worries about getting wet from fine rain in the air, which was very convenient. 🔆Good weather + a route that doesn't backtrack Eikando ➨ Nanzenji ➨ Kiyomizu-dera/Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka These three spots are almost connected. You can start from Eikando and follow the map to walk to the next spots. On the way, you can also check out the Blue Bottle at Nanzenji. The Japanese garden with autumn leaves 🍁 is incredibly beautiful. Tofukuji On the second day, take the Nara Line from the JR station, and it's just one stop away. My partner and I rented kimonos for photos, so we spent the whole day at this spot. The red corridor at Tofukuji is stunning, and photos can't capture its brilliance. You have to see it in person to truly appreciate it. ✔️Clothing Guide Follow the onion layering principle: wear a thick cotton coat, and make sure your inner layers are presentable even without the coat. 📝Final Notes For first-time visitors to Kyoto, if you want to enjoy delicious and unique restaurants, you must do your research and make reservations in advance. You can search for restaurants on Google Maps; some support direct reservations, while others require you to find the reservation method on their official websites.

Day 1: Off-the-Beaten-Path Historical and Cultural Exploration Start your first day at Nanzen-ji Temple, which is relatively less crowded but boasts magnificent architecture and beautiful gardens, especially its aqueduct, a favorite among photographers. Next, head to Eikando Temple, renowned for its autumn foliage and serene atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for meditation. For lunch, try Kyoto's tofu cuisine at a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Shirakawa in Gion, a quiet alley in the Gion district with elegant old buildings and a secluded atmosphere, away from the crowds, to experience Kyoto's traditional culture. For dinner, enjoy kaiseki cuisine at an old teahouse here. Day 2: Nature and Hidden Spots In the morning, head to the Philosopher's Path, a canal-side trail lined with trees and cherry blossoms, perfect for a leisurely stroll. This path is relatively less crowded, allowing you to quietly enjoy nature. Next, visit Narutaki, a relatively unknown waterfall spot in the outskirts of Arashiyama, ideal for relaxation. For lunch, try local snacks at Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine nearby, a tranquil shrine hidden in the mountains, perfect for in-depth exploration. In the afternoon, visit Sanzen-in Temple in Ohara, a beautiful temple hidden in the outskirts of Kyoto, with tranquil gardens and famous blue stones, often attracting a few peace-loving visitors. In the evening, head to the Sagano Bamboo Forest in Kyoto's Arashiyama. Although it's a more well-known spot, it offers a more peaceful atmosphere compared to other crowded areas, making it a perfect end to your day.

Day 1: On a crisp early winter morning, I arrived at the famous Eikando Zenrinji Temple in Kyoto. Known for its stunning autumn foliage, the temple is often referred to as 'Eikando of the Maple Leaves.' As I entered the temple gate, a sea of fiery red maple leaves greeted me, making me feel as if I had stepped into an ink painting. Climbing the steps, the ancient atmosphere of the Zen hall exuded tranquility amidst the swirling incense. I sat quietly for a moment in the main hall, which enshrines the 'Mikaeri Amida Buddha,' feeling a sense of inner peace and strength. At noon, I enjoyed a serving of matcha and wagashi in the temple's tea room, savoring the beauty of the maple garden. In the afternoon, I strolled along the path leading to the Hojo Pond, where the reflections and autumn leaves created a picturesque scene, as if time had stood still. Day 2: The next morning, I continued to explore the surrounding attractions of the Philosopher's Path, admiring the serene mountain scenery along the way. I first visited Nanzenji Temple, experiencing a different Zen atmosphere. Then, I headed to Ginkakuji Temple, where the simple yet elegant architecture and gardens conveyed a profound sense of Zen. Lunch was at a traditional Kyoto cuisine restaurant, with dishes that were both exquisite and seasonally flavored. In the afternoon, I returned to Eikando to capture the beauty of the autumn leaves at sunset and picked up a book on Zen studies from the temple bookstore, concluding my journey on a tranquil note. In just two days, the abundant autumn foliage and profound Zen atmosphere of Eikando allowed my mind to settle, helping me appreciate the quiet moments in life. This journey felt like a dream in the late autumn.

Zenrin-ji Temple, commonly known as Eikando, is renowned as one of Kyoto's best spots for viewing autumn leaves, with around 3,000 maple trees, including the famous Iwagaki maples, spread throughout the temple grounds. Zenrin-ji Temple is situated on uneven hills, and the various temple buildings are arranged to fit this terrain, giving the temple its unique style. Many of these buildings are historically significant, such as the main gate and middle gate, which are typically seen only in castles or daimyo residences, the Amida Buddha Hall that houses the principal Amida Buddha statue of Zenrin-ji, the Tahoto Pagoda designed like a five-story pagoda, and the Shakado (Shakyamuni Hall) with famous door paintings like the 'Pine and Bird' and 'Group of Immortals'. These are all important historical structures. The buildings are connected by a corridor called the 'Garyuro', which is built along the slope of the mountain, giving the experience of walking inside a dragon's body, a unique experience only available at Zenrin-ji Temple.

I used to only see it through other people's lenses It wasn't until I experienced it myself that I realized Kyoto's autumn is truly this beautiful 😭 It's so beautiful that cameras can't perfectly capture it What you see with your own eyes is the most real! Life advice: You must come to Kyoto to experience autumn at least once! 🍁Nanzen-ji, Eikando, Philosopher's Path, Kiyomizu-dera, Yuzai-do, Jojakko-ji

Eikando: Founded in the early Heian period, in the third year of the Ninna era (853) ⛩️Main features: Eikando's architectural style combines the essence of traditional Japanese temples, with gardens, small bridges, flowing water, and temples. The main buildings are built on the mountain, and the highest building is the Tahoto Pagoda, from which you can overlook the beautiful scenery of Kyoto. The red leaves on the mountain complement the halls and pagodas, and the red leaves reflected in the pond add a touch of tranquility and beauty. 📍Address: 48 Eikando-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan. 🚌Transportation: 1️⃣. Take Kyoto City Bus No. 5 from JR Kyoto Station, get off at "Nanzenji Eikando-michi" and walk for 3 minutes.     2️⃣. Take the Karasuma Line subway from "Kyoto" to "Karasuma Oike" and transfer to the Tozai Line subway bound for Rokujizo, get off at "Keage" and walk for 15 minutes.     3️⃣. Take Kyoto City Bus No. 5 from Keihan Electric Railway Sanjo Station, get off at "Nanzenji Eikando-michi" and walk for 3 minutes. ⏰Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, but during the autumn maple season, opening hours may be extended to the evening so that visitors can enjoy the illuminated red leaves at night.

📍Address: 48 Eikando-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan 🚉Transportation: 1. Subway: Take the Karasuma Line from Kyoto Station to Karasuma Oike Station, transfer to the Tozai Line bound for Rokujizo, and get off at Keage Station. 2. Bus: Take bus No. 5 or 57 and get off at Nanzenji Eikando-michi. 💰Admission: JPY 600 🕙Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 ⏳When is the best time to visit? Every autumn, from late November to mid-December, when the maple leaves change color. ❤Photo spots: Shakado, Kaisando, Mieido, Amida Nyorai Statue, and Ikike. ✅Must-try autumn experience: Every autumn, the red leaves covering the mountains, the halls and pagodas hidden among the red leaves, and the reflection of the red leaves in the pond make for great photos. 🖼Food recommendations: Udon, tempura, wagashi, and various matcha desserts.

🍁Attractions: The maple leaves in Kyoto have turned 3-4 layers red. The red and green leaves have a unique flavor. The maple leaves in Kyoto came late this year due to the warm weather. 🍁Location: The maple leaves at Eikando Zenrin-ji Temple have turned about 4 layers red today, but they are beautiful enough. I wonder what the scenery will be like when they are all red. I can go there again. Japanese people say that other cities in Japan also have maple leaves, but they like to come to Kyoto because there are many temples in Kyoto, and the maple leaves and temples create a different scene. I came to Kyoto to see the maple leaves. 🫵Summary: To see the maple leaves in Kyoto, you need a pair of legs that can walk. I only visited one temple, and I was already tired. It is worth seeing the maple leaves in Kyoto. You can only see the maple leaves in this season every year.😌

1. Enkoji Temple: Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station, transfer to the Keihan Line at Tofukuji Station, transfer to the Eizan Line at Demachiyanagi Station, and get off at Ichijoji Station. Walk for 15 minutes to reach the temple. You will pass by Shisendo Temple, but I didn't have time to visit. During the autumn foliage season, the temple opens at 8 am. Online sources say that reservations are required, but I couldn't find a way to make a reservation. I went early to try my luck, and I was able to enter without a reservation. I almost had the courtyard to myself, but unfortunately, there weren't many red maple leaves. 2. Eikando Temple: Walk from Enkoji Temple to Ichijoji Shimomatsucho Station, take bus No. 5 to Nanzenji Eikando-michi Station, and walk for 5–10 minutes to reach the temple. Eikando Temple is a famous spot for viewing maple leaves. The courtyard is beautifully designed, and the maple leaves were 40–50% red. Sitting in the courtyard and listening to the monks chanting gives a sense of tranquility and peace. It's definitely worth a visit. 3. Nanzenji Temple: Located near Eikando Temple, a 5–10 minute walk away. The ancient aqueduct resembles a city wall and has a sense of history. The red leaves in Tenjuan Temple are the most beautiful, and you can sit in the courtyard and quietly admire them. You can also climb the Sanmon Gate and overlook Tenjuan Temple. 4. Tofukuji Temple: Walk for 15 minutes from Nanzenji Temple to Keage Station, take the Tozai Line to Sanjo Keihan Station, transfer to the Keihan Main Line to Tofukuji Station, and walk for 15 minutes to reach the temple. Tofukuji Temple is a famous spot for viewing maple leaves. It consists of many temples and courtyards, with the highlight being the Tsutenkyo Bridge, which offers a panoramic view of the maple forest.

Last year (2023), I went to Japan for the first time and chose to go in the autumn. Originally, I planned to drive to the countryside to chase the maple leaves, but since it was my first time, I wasn't familiar with the timing of the leaf changes and didn't want to miss out. So, I opted for more conservative maple viewing spots. Seeing the fiery red maple leaves everywhere for the first time, I truly fell in love! But the crowds... Next time, I definitely want to drive or hire a car to chase the maple leaves in the countryside! Photos 2-3 ➡️ Nara Park (11/26) Photos 4-5 ➡️ Kiyomizu-dera (11/30) Photos 6-9 ➡️ Eikando Zenrin-ji Temple (12/1) Photo 10 ➡️ Philosopher's Path (12/1) Photos 11-12 ➡️ Shinnyo-do Temple (12/1) Photos 13-14 ➡️ On the way from Philosopher's Path to Shinnyo-do Temple (12/1) Photos 15-16 ➡️ Near Heian Shrine's Great Torii (12/3) Photo 17 ➡️ Byodo-in Temple (12/3)

Located in Kyoto's Higashiyama district, Eikando has a history spanning over a thousand years and serves as a sub-temple of the Zenrinji Temple of the Tendai sect. Founded in 863 AD, it was originally named 'Joko-ji' but was later renamed Eikando in honor of the fifth head priest, Eikan. Known for its stunning autumn foliage, Eikando is also revered as a 'hidden gem among Zen temples.' Every garden and hall in the temple exudes a rich cultural heritage and profound Buddhist sentiment, allowing visitors to experience the spiritual beauty deeply embedded in Kyoto. 📍The Legend of the Turning Kannon The most iconic feature of Eikando is the 'Turning Kannon' statue, which has a touching story behind it. It is said that during a morning prayer session, Eikan was so engrossed in the scriptures that he lost track of time. As he entered the Buddha Hall, the Kannon Bodhisattva turned around and kindly said to him, 'Eikan, you are late!' This miraculous moment is captured in the statue, with the Kannon's gentle gaze seemingly guiding people and awakening their devotion and reverence for Buddhism. This unique statue attracts countless devotees and tourists each year, who come to feel its warmth and compassion. 🎉Seasonal Scenery: The Diverse Charm of Eikando The beauty of Eikando changes with the seasons, offering different attractions no matter when you visit. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom along the pond, reflecting the temple's ancient architecture and creating a dreamy landscape. In summer, the lush green maple leaves and moss create a serene Zen atmosphere. Autumn is the most bustling time at Eikando, with fiery red leaves enveloping the entire temple in a sea of brilliant red, making it a paradise for photographers and tourists. The winter snow scene offers a unique charm, with snow-covered halls and gardens exuding infinite poetic beauty in their tranquility. 👍Eikando: A Sanctuary for the Soul Strolling through Eikando, you can not only enjoy the beautiful natural scenery but also appreciate the profound wisdom of Buddhist culture through the story of the Kannon. This place is both a natural treasure of Kyoto and a sanctuary for the soul. Whether you visit during the vibrant autumn foliage season or choose a quiet winter visit, Eikando will captivate every traveler's heart with its unique charm. Make sure not to miss this beautiful hidden gem that offers peace to the soul on your next trip to Kyoto. 🔵Travel Tips: Take a bus or subway from Kyoto city center 🟢Must-Visit Spots: Eikando, Garden Landscapes 🟡Recommended Hotels: Fresa Inn Series 🟠Must-Try Foods: Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot), Shojin Ryori (Buddhist Cuisine) 🔴Shopping Guide: Tofu Products, Matcha

Ctrip Travel Notes, Comfort Guaranteed, Faraway Guaranteed 🌞 I once thought that the Sanzen-in Temple in summer was already breathtakingly beautiful, but when I stepped into Eikando, I realized that the scenery here is even more stunning. The exquisite scene of 'green moss walls surrounding the courtyard with banana trees rolling in the gentle sunlight' made me feel like I was stepping into a vivid landscape painting, leaving me utterly enchanted. 💧 The lush greenery of Eikando makes you feel like your eyes have been thoroughly cleansed and brightened. Even more delightful is that the temperature inside the temple is pleasant, 3-5° cooler than Kyoto city center, making it a perfect cool retreat in the scorching summer. 😌 Sitting inside Eikando, letting time pass by, even two hours of daydreaming is not enough. The serene and peaceful atmosphere makes you reluctant to leave, until you really don't want to go. 📍 **Location**: 48 Eikando-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto ⏰ **Opening Hours**: 09:00 - 17:00 🚍 **Transportation**: Take bus No. 5 to 'Nanzenji, Eikando-michi' and walk 350 meters, or take bus No. 32 to 'Miyamae-cho' and walk 350 meters.

Visiting Eikando Temple in Kyoto was a magical experience. 😍 This temple is characterized by its calm and beautiful atmosphere, especially in autumn when the trees are adorned with bright colors. 🍁 I enjoyed wandering around the stunning gardens and serene ponds that add to the charm of the place. 🏞️ The statues and historic temple here clearly reflect the spirit of Japanese culture. It was a quiet and relaxing experience, and I highly recommend visiting this place to anyone visiting Kyoto. 🌸🌿

#cherryblossom2024 This place is a treasure, one of my favorite temples. I visited during a public holiday and it was not crowded at all. The grounds are large, with plenty to explore. The gardens and buildings are beautiful. The best part of this area is the elevation in the buildings: you can walk around the temple and go up a beautiful wooden staircase. There are some stairs; I saw an elevator, but I don’t think it connects to the rest of the building. You will have to remove your shoes before entering the temple, so come prepared.

The charm of autumn in Kyoto can be found in every corner of the city, but the fame of Eikando Zenrinji Temple is such that for many, it is considered the best (and also famously crowded) place to appreciate the fall colors in Kyoto. The temple complex covers a large area and is known for its variety of buildings, gardens, and art pieces. The tour starts from the main gate (entrance fee in 2023 is 1,000 yen per adult, including an art exhibition), where visitors first enjoy the scenery of the main courtyard, dominated by the maple-framed gate and traditional architecture. Visitors must remove their shoes to enter the indoor areas (plastic bags are provided by the temple), and then proceed along the corridors to view the buildings, Buddha statues, sculptures, calligraphy, and paintings... Of course, most of the attention is focused on the courtyards and the splendid autumn colors on the hillsides along the way. The current wooden walkway extends from the Garyuro corridor all the way to the pagoda on the mountain. After taking in the full garden's autumn colors from the pagoda, you can put your shoes back on and descend the stone steps. Don't be in a hurry to leave; the courtyard at the base of the mountain is also worth lingering over. Finally, don't forget to look back when exiting (see the last photo).

Eikando, a must-visit spot in Kyoto during the red leaf season, is breathtakingly beautiful! Eikando, also known as Zenrin-ji Temple The Amitabha Buddha enshrined in Eikando is a work from the Kamakura period, unique for its head turned to the left, unlike most Buddha statues. Eikando is also a famous spot for viewing red leaves. From mid-November each year, the mountain full of red leaves, the temple and pagoda under the cover of red leaves, and the reflection of red leaves in the pond, all present an indescribable beauty of Eastern temples. Hence, Eikando is also known as 'Eikando of Red Leaves'. The most beautiful period is from the 18th to the 30th. Viewing maple leaves at night is another feature here, and the most beautiful scenery here comes a week later. Luckily, the famous Japanese wave painting series of 12 pieces is exhibited in Eikando from November 3rd to December 3rd. Friends who plan to visit during this period should not miss this exhibition. No photography is allowed in the painting exhibition. From the front of Kyoto Station, you can take bus No. 5 or 57 and get off at Nanzen-ji/Eikando. It's a 3-5 minute walk from there. The regular admission fee is 600 yen. From November 3rd to December 3rd, there is a special temple treasure exhibition with an admission fee of 1000 yen. The admission fee for viewing maple leaves at night is 600 yen. The lights are on from 17:30 to 20:30 and off at 21:00. If you want to view the night maple after visiting during the day, you need to buy a ticket again. The best time to visit is a week later when the red leaves are in full bloom and there are more people at night. You can enter at 8 pm and leave at 9 pm when there are fewer people. I chose to walk along the Path of Philosophy to Eikando (this road is particularly beautiful, especially during the cherry blossom season), then from Eikando to Nanzen-ji and Tensho-an

🍃In Kyoto, I didn't go to Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji or Ginkaku-ji, but chose Eikan-do Zenrin-ji, just because I was attracted by the first sight of the photo. The entire temple is not very large, reserve 1 to 2 hours to visit all, of course, if you choose to play selectively, the time will be shorter. 🍃The green area in Eikan-do Zenrin-ji is very wide, the full view of green is full of tenacious vitality, has a kind of healing power. The indoor area is all covered with mats, so you need to take off your shoes and wear socks to enter. There are bamboo tiger paintings, Guanyin paintings and statues, no photos and touching are allowed. 🍃The outdoor part is very beautiful with a casual shot, the pagoda is quite beautiful, but after I climbed up, I found that this may not be the best of the pagoda but the scenery on the mountain is super! Picture 6 to picture 9 were taken on the mountain, indeed the view is excellent! It's just very tiring, the steps are very thick, there are a lot of mosquitoes on the mountain, pay attention to mosquito prevention! I didn't find the entrance to the pagoda, if anyone knows, please tell me in the comment section 🍃Walking around casually, there are sceneries everywhere, the bridge there is also very photogenic, you can take a long shot or a close-up portrait! The dress style is recommended to be solid color, I paired a white vest with a green skirt, if you have Hanfu, cheongsam I think it will also be very photogenic. The maple leaf season is probably more beautiful, but I checked the hotel prices tripled 📍48 Eikan-do-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City 🚌Transportation: City bus No. 5, 100, 204, 93 🎫600JPY/person, cash payment 🌈Nearby attractions: Nanzen-ji, Ginkaku-ji

| Eikan-do, Kyoto. I've lost count of how many times I've been to Kyoto, the autumn leaves season in Kyoto is a breathtaking spectacle, this year it's a few weeks later than previous years. At this time, Kyoto's courtyards, temples, and parks are all decorated with red leaves like a poetic painting. Transportation can be taken from Osaka to Kyoto by tram for about 30-40 minutes. Upon arrival at JR Kyoto Station, you can take the subway or bus, which is quite convenient Travel Guide: Must-visit attractions include Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, and the Philosopher's Path, etc. During the autumn leaves season, it is recommended to go to Arashiyama on the west side of Kyoto or the mountainous area on the east side, where the red leaves are more splendid than other areas

It's quite ordinary outside of the red leaf season, but it's really beautiful during the red leaf season. It's about a seven or eight minute walk from Nanzen-ji, and you can walk directly to the Philosopher's Path after visiting. It can be arranged to visit in one day. There are a lot of people, and the admission fee is not cheap, 1000 yen, but it's worth it. There's a large forest of red leaves, and you can also climb up the small hill to see the scenery. In autumn and winter, you must wear thick socks, thick socks, thick socks!!! I say it three times because it's important. Half of the visiting time requires you to take off your shoes and walk. My socks were too thin, and I felt my feet getting colder and colder as I walked

Kyoto, it has a thousand years of history, unique charm, and intoxicating natural scenery. Eikan-do and Fushimi Inari Taisha, encounter beautiful scenery, leave beautiful memories.

it's not so famous but near from famous 平安神宮/HeianJingu-shrine.⛩ I visited Zenrin-ji on 09 Dec. 2023, and the autumn leaves there were amazing!!! The autumn leaves in Kyoto usually on its full season around late Nov. and early Dec.🍁 #falltrip #historicallandmarks

Eikan-do is most famous for its gorgeous autumn leaves. When lit up at night, the scenery becomes even more dreamy and magnificent. Although a large number of tourists will flock in autumn, the temple itself is actually worth visiting all year round. 【Location】Eikan-do is located on the south side of the Philosophy Path in the Central Higashiyama District. The temple covers a large area, and many buildings are connected by covered corridors. 【Temple Origin】 Eikan-do was a gift from a nobleman to a Buddhist monk during the Heian period (794-1185). Eikan-do has three other names: Zenrin-ji, Shōjūraigo-san, and Muryōju-in. 【Transportation】 Take the subway from Kyoto Station, and you can reach Eikan-do after a short walk from the station. Take the Karasuma Line from Kyoto Station to Karasuma Oike Station, then transfer to the Tozai Line towards Rokujizo, arrive at Keage Station, and walk for about 15 minutes to get there.