This small temple in far Northern Higashiyama packs a huge punch: It’s got two incredible gardens, some fine Buddhist artwork and even a small bamboo forest reminiscent of the famous one in Arashiyama.
This Zen temple, established by the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1600, is easily one of our favorite temples in Kyoto. It’s a little out of the way, but it’s well worth the trip. It’s almost never crowded and there is a lot to see and enjoy.
After passing through the gate and ascending to the main precinct of the temple, you will come to the Honryu-tei (Running Dragon) Garden. As the name suggests, the garden calls to mind a dragon in flight. It’s rare to use words like “wild” or “exciting” to describe a Zen garden, but here they are warranted. With huge stones jutting skyward, this is one garden that will take yoagodaur breath away.
After you pass by this garden, you enter the main stroll garden of the temple. The maples here are famous for their vibrant colors. There is a lovely pond here, behind which there is a small bamboo forest. After strolling the garden, you can enjoy the adjoining hall and sit for a while to enjoy the view over the garden. And, on your way out, you will be treated to an eye-popping view over Kyoto, all the way to the Arashiyama Mountains.
This temple is very close to Shisen-do Temple and Manshu-in Temple and you can easily spend half a day soaking up the wonders of these three uncrowded “secret” temples in Kyoto.
I’ve written up more info on the zen gardens in Kyoto and Kyoto’s secret spots if you’re interested.

Enko-ji Temple in Northern Higashiyama – image © Chris Rowthorn
English address:
13 Ichijoji-Kotani-cho, Sakyo-ku
Japanese address:
左京区一乗寺小谷町13
Opening hours:
9am-5pm
Admission:
Y500
Non-smoking area:
Yes
Nearest Transport:
10min walk from Ichijoji Sagarimatsucho Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 5 from Kyoto Station
Nearest Hotels:
See hotels around Shisen-do Temple if you want to stay near to Enko-ji Temple.
Telephone:
781-8025
Website:
Enko-ji Temple (Japanese and English)

Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
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Near To Here:
Enko-ji 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