The Eikando Temple’s main object of worship is a wooden statue of the Amida Buddha, whose head is facing over his shoulder, rather than straight ahead. According to legend, the statue once came to life one day, stepped down from its dais and joined in with the head priest, Eikan, as he was praying. The story goes that when Eikan stopped in surprise the statue turned its head, to tell him he was slow, and stayed that way.
You will find the statue, said to have been carved in the 12th century, in the Amida Hall which was built somewhat later, at the beginning of the 17th century.
The temple is formally known as Zenrinji Temple zenrinji means “temple in a calm grove”. Nestled amongst many trees and surrounded by ponds and moss gardens, Eikando is one of the quieter temple areas in Kyoto.
Although the temple was founded in 863, the buildings were completed at different stages between the 1600s and the 1900s. If you climb further up the hill, you’ll get to the Tahoto pagoda, a two-storey building with a round second level, built in 1928. From here you can look back down over the grounds and out over the city.
The Hojo Pond is a garden created for quiet meditation and reflection, and is the meeting point of all the streams that run through the temple grounds. The pond is criss-crossed by stone bridges and is a spectacular place to enjoy the autumn show of red and orange maple leaves the temple is famous for. Throughout autumn the temple is open late to the public, and the gardens are lit up, creating a magical scene.
Bus trips from Kyōto Station, the city’s main transportation hub, take a little over half an hour. The temple has an admission fee and is open daily.
Eikan-do Temple Tours and Activities
Visit Eikan-do Temple
Plan a trip to see Eikan-do Temple
MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station
Reviewed on 6 Nov. 2024
MIMARU Osaka Shinsaibashi North
Reviewed on 24 Sep. 2024
Mimaru Osaka Namba Station
Reviewed on 31 Oct. 2024
Tours & day trips
See all 397 activitiesOpens in new tabKyoto/Osaka: Sanzenin, Bamboo Forest, & Arashiyama Day Trip
Private & custom tours
See all 184 activitiesOpens in new tabTokyo to Kyoto 1-Full Day Private Guided Tour
Classes & workshops
See all 88 activitiesOpens in new tabSkip the lines Basic Ticket at SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM TOKYO
Adventure & outdoor
See all 33 activitiesOpens in new tabKyoto/Osaka: Sanzenin, Bamboo Forest, & Arashiyama Day Trip
Shows & concerts
See all 13 activitiesOpens in new tabKyoto: Gion District Guided Walking Tour at Night with Snack
Popular places to visit
Nanzen-ji Temple
Art, elaborate gardens and a giant gate await at this temple that stands tall as one of the most important of its kind in the country.
Philosopher's Path
This is a great walk to orient yourself around Kyōto. Stroll along a cherry tree-lined canal and visit shrines, temples, gardens and boutiques.
Konchi-in Temple
You can find out about the history of Kyoto with a trip to Konchi-in Temple. Amble around this culturally rich area's picturesque gardens or experience its fascinating museums.
Okazaki Shrine
Find out about the history of Kyoto when you take a trip to Okazaki Shrine. Discover the fascinating museums and temples in this culturally rich area.
Nomura Art Museum
You can browse the exhibits at Nomura Art Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Kyoto. Discover the fascinating museums and temples in this culturally rich area.
Tenjuan Garden
Find out about the history of Kyoto when you spend time at Tenjuan Garden. Discover the fascinating museums and temples in this culturally rich area.
Top Eikan-do Temple Hotel & Accommodation Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Eikan-do Temple
- Holidays and getaways similar to Eikan-do Temple
- Are there hotels near Eikan-do Temple?
- Hotels near popular Kyoto Attractions
- What kind of hotels are in Eikan-do Temple?
- Hotels near Lake Biwa
- Hotels near Kiyomizu Temple
- Hotels near Kawaramachi Street
- Hotels near Nishiki Market
- Hotels near Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Hotels near Kinkaku-ji Temple
- Hotels near Nijō Castle
- Hotels near Kyoto University
- Hotels near Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Hotels near Heian Shrine
- Hotels near Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Hotels near To-ji Temple