Eikando Temple (Zenrinji), Kyoto

Formerly called Zenrinji Temple, Eikando Temple houses a famous standing statue of The Amida Nyorai. It was founded in 855 by the priest Shinsho, but the name was changed to Eikando in the 11th century to honour the philanthropic priest Eikan.
The temple is one of Japan's most famous place for maple leaf viewing, but it's also worth a visit in April!
The temple's pagoda, set up on the hillside, offers panoramic views of the city.
Open 9 am - 17 pm
Entry Yen 500

Eikando Temple is named after Eikan (1032-1111) who was the 7th head priest. We visited Eikando temple in Autumn (20th November 2004). At nighttime, the temple lights up many of it's maple trees to show off the beauty of the autumn leaves at this time of year. The 'light up' is from 5:30-11:00pm in autumn. We arrived at 5:30, and had to line-up amongst many tourist bus-loads of people to get into the temple. The temple's interior is dedicated to Buddah, and is full of gold decorations. Outside, you can see a pavillion nestled amongst the trees further up the mountain. It is also lit up at night, and looks quite etheral. The scenery was beautiful, but it was not so relaxing as there were sooo many people there!! However, if you don't let the masses of tourists bother you, you will be able to take some beautiful photos of the autumn leaves, lit up from underneath by strategic spotlights. We enjoyed a cup of hot Japanese green tea in the gardens while viewing the autumn leaves. I believe it is only so busy in Autumn and Spring, because the Japanese people like to come to Kyoto to view the beautiful trees in these 2 seasons. If you don't mind crowds, then, please go! It is a very beautiful and cultural experience. I think Eikando temple would also be very beautiful in the daytime, or any time of year. It has an admission fee of 1000yen in the daytime, and 650 yen in the nighttime. Eikando temple is in the area of many other temples and also the philosopher's walk, (which leads to the temple of the Silver Pavillion) so you can easily make a temple day-trip starting, or ending with Eikando temple.

It is the head temple of Jodo shu (Pure Land Buddhism) and is generally called Eikando. Although temple itself is not so great, it has many beautiful maple trees in its precinct. It is noted for the autumn leaves viewing. If you visit there, you absolutely make it in late autumn.