Eikando Temple (永観堂), officially known as Zenrinji Temple, is a historic Buddhist temple located in the Sakyo ward of Kyoto, Japan. Founded in 853 as a Tendai sect temple, it was later converted to a Pure Land temple in 1082 by Yokan the priest. It is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
The temple complex houses several buildings, including the main hall (Sanmaidō), the Amida Hall, and the Jodo Hall. The Sanmaido enshrines a statue of the temple’s principal deity, Amida Buddha, known for its unique pose of turning its head to the left as if looking back, called “Mikaeri Amida.” The Amida Hall is dedicated to the Pure Land sect of Buddhism, while the Jodo Hall is used for lectures and other Buddhist ceremonies.
Eikando Temple is renowned for its breathtaking autumn foliage, attracting numerous visitors during the fall season. The temple’s gardens, including the Hojo garden and the Miedo garden, are also celebrated for their scenic beauty.
The temple also features several other noteworthy structures, such as the Shaka-do Hall, a National Treasure housing an Important Cultural Property statue of Amida Nyorai, and the Tahoto Pagoda, also designated as an Important Cultural Property, which stands on a hill overlooking the temple grounds. The Mieido Hall enshrines a wooden statue of Yokan the priest. Additionally, the temple’s Japanese garden boasts a suikinkutsu, a unique type of subterranean fountain that produces a pleasant musical sound when water drops into it.
Getting there
From Kyoto Station to Eikando Temple:
| Bus | Kyoto Station ↓ Bus Number 5 ↓ 30 minutes (16 stops) Nanzenji Eikando-michi ↓ Walk about 5 minutes ↓ Eikando Temple (230 yen) |
| Walk | About 1 hour 15 minutes (5.3 km) |
Details
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Reception closes at 4:00 PM. |
| Admission | General: 600 yen Elementary school to high school students: 400 yen |
| Phone | +81 75-761-0007 |
| Address | 48 Eikandocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8445 |
| Official Website | https://www.eikando.or.jp/ |
