One of Kyoto’s most famous fall foliage spots, Eikan-do Temple is a sprawling complex of gardens and halls that’s worth a visit outside of the fall foliage season.
Zen garden at Eikan-do Zenrin-ji: SandraSWC / Shutterstock.com
Eikan-do Temple is known to almost all Japanese as one of the premier spots in Kyoto to admire momiji (the crimson leaves of autumn maple trees). For this reason, the place is usually packed wall to wall with people as soon as the leaves start to turn color. So, we avoid the place like the plague when the foliage is working. But, in other seasons, it can be very quiet and the spacious ground offer plenty of scope for lazy rambling. You can even doff your shoes and climb up to the Taho-to Pagoda, which offers good views across the city.
English address:
48 Eikando-cho, Sakyo-ku
Japanese Address:
左京区永観堂町48
Opening hours:
9am-5pm, last entry 4pm
Admission:
Adults: \600
High, junior high, and elementary school students: \400
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
15min walk from Keage Station, Tozai subway line
Telephone: 761-0007
Website:
Official Website (Japanese)
Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
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Near To Here:
Eikan-do Temple is located in Kyoto’s Northern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Northern Higashiyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
