Prepare to be enchanted by Eikando Temple, a tranquil “Wonder” renowned for its autumn splendor and unique blend of beauty and spirituality.

Name: Eikando Temple (永観堂禅林寺 – Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji) – often simply referred to as Eikando.

Address: 48 Eikando-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8445, Japan

How to get there:
Eikando Temple is conveniently located in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, making it accessible from various parts of the city.

• By Train & Walk:
  • Take the subway Karasuma Line to Karasuma-Oike Station, then transfer to the Tozai Line and go to Keage Station (蹴上駅). From Keage Station, it’s about a 15-20 minute walk northeast to the temple.
• By Bus:
  • From Kyoto Station (or other major hubs), take Kyoto City Bus No. 5 to the “Eikando-mae” (永観堂前) bus stop. The temple entrance is right there. This is often the most direct and convenient option.
  • Alternatively, take Bus No. 32, 93, 203, or 204 to the “Nanzenji-Eikando-michi” (南禅寺・永観堂道) bus stop, then walk about 5-10 minutes.
• By Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout Kyoto and can take you directly to the temple entrance.

Landscape and Architecture:
Eikando Temple is a sprawling temple complex that harmoniously blends traditional Japanese temple architecture with a captivating natural landscape, particularly famous for its autumn foliage:

• Temple Buildings: The complex features a series of beautiful wooden temple buildings, including:
  • Miei-do (御影堂): The main hall dedicated to Honen, the founder of the Pure Land sect.
  • Amida-do (阿弥陀堂): Another important hall, housing the temple’s principal image.
  • Tahoto Pagoda (多宝塔): A distinctive two-story pagoda perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of Kyoto, especially beautiful amidst the autumn leaves.
• Covered Wooden Corridors (Garo): Unique to Eikando are its long, sloping, covered wooden corridors that connect various temple halls built on different levels of the hillside. These provide an atmospheric walk through the complex.
• Hojo Garden (放生池庭園): A serene and picturesque traditional Japanese garden centered around a pond (Hojo-ike). The garden is meticulously designed with various trees, stones, and a small bridge, creating a contemplative atmosphere.
• Autumn Foliage: Eikando is especially renowned for its spectacular autumn colors. Thousands of maple trees (over 3,000) blanket the temple grounds in vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, making it one of Kyoto’s absolute best spots for koyo (autumn leaves).
• Night Illuminations: During the peak autumn foliage season, the temple grounds and garden are beautifully illuminated at night, offering a magical and often breathtaking experience as the colored leaves glow against the dark sky.

What makes it famous:
Eikando Temple’s fame largely stems from:

• Autumn Leaves (Koyo): It is arguably the most famous and popular spot in Kyoto for viewing autumn foliage. The sheer volume and vibrancy of its maple trees, combined with the temple’s traditional architecture and pond reflections, create an iconic and unforgettable scene.
• Night Illuminations: The nightly light-up during autumn is a major draw, providing a distinct and mesmerizing experience of the fall colors.
• Mikaeri Amida (回头阿弥陀): The temple houses a unique and highly revered statue of Amida Buddha (Amida Nyorai) known as “Mikaeri Amida” or the “Looking Back Amida.” Unlike typical Buddha statues, this one is depicted looking over its shoulder, a gesture said to embody the Buddha’s compassion in pausing to ensure no one is left behind. This unusual posture adds a distinctive spiritual and artistic element.
• Elegant Atmosphere: Beyond the seasonal beauty, the temple maintains a serene and dignified atmosphere throughout the year, inviting quiet contemplation.
• Beautiful Pond Garden: The Hojo Garden provides a classic example of Japanese landscape artistry, offering tranquility even outside of autumn.

Differences from some other wonders:

• Seasonal Specialization: While many temples are beautiful year-round, Eikando’s “wonder” status is overwhelmingly dominated by its autumn foliage. Its fame during this specific season eclipses its appeal during other times, making it uniquely identified with fall colors to a degree that other general temple wonders might not be.
• Unique Buddhist Iconography (Mikaeri Amida): The “Looking Back Amida” statue is a truly unique and significant piece of Buddhist art and a specific spiritual focal point that differentiates Eikando from other temples which might house more standard representations of deities.
• Combined Natural & Architectural Illumination: While many temples have night illuminations, Eikando’s are particularly famous because they highlight both its impressive architectural structures and the vast natural canvas of its autumn leaves, creating a spectacular interplay of light and color that is hard to match.
• Hillside Layout with Corridors: The temple’s design, with various halls connected by long, sloping covered corridors (Garo) that ascend the hillside, creates a unique exploratory experience distinct from the more flat or simply tiered layouts of many other temple complexes.
• Emphasis on Atmospheric Experience: Eikando provides an experience that is deeply atmospheric, whether it’s the contemplative stroll through the garden or the awe-inspiring vision of illuminated maple leaves. It’s less about a singular grand structure and more about the holistic environment it creates.