Kyoto · Northeast Kyoto
Eikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple
Eikan-do, officially Zenrin-ji, was founded in the middle of the 9th century by the monk Shinsho, a disciple of Kobo Daishi, on the land of a villa that was donated to him. The popular name comes from the monk Yokan (1033-1111), whose name is written with the same characters. Yokan set up a clinic for the poor on the grounds and grew plum trees to give them the fruit. Since the early 13th century it has been a temple of the Pure Land school.
The central statue is the Mikaeri Amida, an Amida Buddha who turns his head back over his left shoulder. According to the temple's tradition, at dawn on 15 February 1082 the statue stepped down from the altar and led Yokan in the prayer walk, then turned around and said to him: 'Yokan, you are slow.' The statue, 77 cm, from the late Heian or early Kamakura period, is an Important Cultural Property.
The temple keeps 58 items at the level of National Treasure and Important Cultural Property, and its website calls it 'Eikan-do of the maples'. The halls are connected by covered wooden corridors that climb the slope.
Good to know
- In the autumn leaves season of 2026 there are two events with separate tickets: the treasure exhibition from 11 November to 6 December, 09:00-16:00, ¥1,500, and the night illumination from 20 November to 6 December, reception 17:30-20:30, ¥1,000. The crowd changes between day and night, and you cannot stay on from the day into the evening. During this period there is no entry for private cars.
- Tripods are not allowed anywhere on the grounds, and you may not photograph the cultural properties inside the halls. Selfie sticks are not allowed inside, and outside only when it is not crowded.
- You take off your shoes in the halls, and the temple asks you to bring a bag for your shoes to save plastic.
What is nearby
Approximate walking minutes from the entrance of Eikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple.
- HereEikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple
- ~4 min
Hinode Udon Food
A family restaurant in an old house, 40 seats, that specializes in udon in a thick curry sauce. No reservations and cash only. A dish is about ¥1,000 to ¥2,000.
- ~4 min
Kanou Shojuan Kyoto Chashitsu Cafe
The teahouse of a long-established wagashi maker, at the south end of the Philosopher's Path near Nyakuoji. Matcha with the seasonal sweet, ¥1,650. Open only part of the year, see hours.
- ~6 min
Botanic Coffee Kyoto Cafe
A cafe in the basement of an old building on Shishigatani street, with antique furniture and a green terrace. At lunch, 11:00-14:00, croque madame with salad and a drink, ¥1,700.
- ~8 min
Nanzenji Junsei Food
Yudofu, simmering tofu in a pot, in a large garden at the entrance to Nanzen-ji. The basic meal, 'Hana', is ¥3,850. In one of the buildings, an Edo period school of medicine, you eat kaiseki meals, and it is registered as a cultural property.
- ~10 min
Blue Bottle Coffee Kyoto Cafe Cafe
The chain's first branch in Kansai, opened in 2018 in a traditional wooden house more than a hundred years old. 44 seats.
- ~10 min
Hyotei Food
A historic kaiseki restaurant in Higashiyama.
More in Northeast Kyoto
Appears in: Ginkaku-ji, the Philosopher's Path and Nanzen-ji: northern Higashiyama on foot · Walking Kyoto's eastern hills: from Ginkaku-ji to Gion via the Philosopher's Path