Temple · Okazaki / Nanzen-ji

Eikando (Zenrin-ji) 永観堂 (禅林寺)

Kyoto's most celebrated autumn-leaf temple, with some 3,000 maples, a hillside pagoda, a covered "dragon staircase" and the rare Mikaeri Amida statue that looks back over its shoulder.

About

Zenrin-ji, known by the name of its 11th-century abbot Eikan, is the head temple of the Seizan Jodo sect and has been praised since the Heian period with the phrase "Momiji no Eikando", Eikando of the maples. Its halls are linked by covered corridors that climb the hillside, including the Garyuro, a wooden staircase that snakes up like a sleeping dragon. In the Amida-do stands the Mikaeri Amida, a 77 cm statue whose head is turned to look back over its left shoulder: legend says that in 1082, as Eikan circled the altar chanting, the Amida stepped down, walked ahead and turned to say "Eikan, you are slow." From the Tahoto pagoda at the top of the grounds there is a view over the maples to the city. In November the garden around Hojo-ike pond turns crimson, and the evening illumination is one of Kyoto's most famous, with fees and crowds to match.

Highlights

• Mikaeri Amida, the "Amida looking back" statue
• Garyuro, a covered staircase winding up the hill like a dragon
• Tahoto pagoda viewpoint over maples and the city
• Hojo-ike pond with crimson reflections in late November
• Evening autumn illumination, one of Kyoto's most famous

Tips

• In mid to late November expect long queues; outside autumn it is pleasantly quiet and much cheaper.
• The autumn fee (temple treasure exhibition) is 1,000 yen and the illumination is ticketed separately.
• It sits mid-way along the Philosopher's Path walk, 5 minutes north of Nanzen-ji.
• Early May fresh green maples are almost as beautiful and nearly empty.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Hinode UdonRestaurant · 230 m away
• Okutan NanzenjiRestaurant · 260 m away
• Nanzen-ji and Suirokaku AqueductTemple · 450 m away
• Nanzenji JunseiRestaurant · 510 m away
• Kyoto City ZooZoo & Aquarium · 560 m away
• Lake Biwa Canal MuseumMuseum · 610 m away
• Murin-anGarden · 710 m away
• Keage InclinePhoto Spot · 730 m away