Eikando Temple is one of the most tranquil temples in the whole of Kyoto the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is nestled within a beautiful natural area and is surrounded by moss, gardens and ponds – and for this reason, it was previously called Zenrinji Temple, or 'Temple in a calm grove'.
As the Eikando Temple belongs to the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism, the main feature to see here is the wooden statue of the Amida Buddha an eye-catching carving with an equally attractive story behind it. This statue, which is thought to have been created back in the 12th century, is unusual in that it has its head turned sideways. The legend goes that one day the statue came to life and walked over to join the head priest, Eikan, in prayer. Eikan stopped in surprise and the statue turned its head to look at him and uttered a few words – and then stayed that way forever.
During your visit to this temple, you can also climb up to the Tahoto Pagoda, which was built in 1928 and has a viewing platform on the second storey. This offers a truly spectacular view across all of the buildings in the temple complex, as well as the wider city of Kyoto itself. From here, you can clearly see that the different buildings within the temple were constructed separately over the course of several centuries, as they boast such a wide range of architectural styles.
If you are looking for somewhere to reflect, make a stop at the Hojo Pond. This water feature, and the garden surrounding it, was specifically designed for meditation, and the tranquil sounds of rippling water and birdsong will certainly soothe the mind.
The best time to visit the temple is during autumn, when the leaves display beautiful shades of red and orange and the gardens are illuminated by sparkling lights in the evenings. The temple is open daily and there is a small admission fee. It takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes to get to the temple by bus from Kyoto Station.
