Eikando Zenrin-ji Temple, one of the best places in Kyoto to view the autumn leaves.

Leaf KYOTO Eikando Zenrin-ji Temple is one of the best places in Kyoto to view the autumn leaves.

2024.4.23

Eikando Zenrin-ji Temple is one of the best places in Kyoto to view the autumn leaves.

Founded in 853 as a dojo of Shingon esoteric Buddhism, it is now the head temple of the Seizan Zenrinji School of the Jodo Sect. It is known as one of the best places in Kyoto to view the autumn leaves, and the green maple leaves are exceptionally beautiful. The temple is also known for its standing statue of Amida Nyorai, the principal image of the temple, called Mikaikaeri Amida (Amitabha). In the Heian period (794-1185), the statue appeared before the seventh Eikan, who chanted the Nembutsu throughout the night and looked back at the statue with a gentle smile on his face. This Eikan is the legendary person from whom the temple's common name, Eikando, was derived. There are many anecdotes of Eikan nursing the sick and offering a helping hand at the temple's facilities.

Contents of this article

1.: If you look closely, you can even see a little blue maple tree.

2.: Careful appreciation of architectural styles and barrier paintings

3.: Seven Wonders that are a mystery, even who started saying them.

4.: The view of Kyoto from the pagoda on the hill

1.If you look closely, you can even see a little blue maple tree.

Thanks to the people who have protected and preserved it, we can still enjoy the spectacular view that has been loved since the Heian period. Currently, approximately 3,000 maple trees line the grounds of the temple. Some of them have been grown from seedlings and replanted by monks. Look for the small trees.

2.Careful appreciation of architectural styles and barrier paintings

The Shakado, a shoin-style building, is said to have been constructed about 400 years ago. In front of the Imperial Gate, where the emperor's imperial envoys used to enter and exit, there is heaped sand, and it is said that they used to purify themselves by stepping on this sand.

3.Seven Wonders that are a mystery, even who started saying them.

Satisfy your appetite for knowledge as you check out the seven wonders of Eikando, including the "Amitabha to ward off fire," which was not lost during the Onin War and survived the fire; the "Tokko no Matsu," which generally has three pine needles instead of two; and the "Garyu Ryo," a steep, curved staircase that looks like a dragon's body.

4.The view of Kyoto from the pagoda on the hill

The Dabotou (pagoda) stands at the top of the 140 stone steps leading up from the Mikageido. As if as a reward for completing the climb, the view of Kyoto city, including the Kyoto Gyoen, Mt. Atago-yama, and the left Daimonji character, is spread out in the western direction from Eikando.