Eikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple, Kyoto

Eikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple, Kyoto (must see)

How about a temple that climbs like a stairway to heaven? A perfect blend of tradition and innovation, this one鈥檚 got all the classics鈥攁ncient halls, sacred statues, and serene gardens鈥攂ut with a twist. There鈥檚 a small entrance fee, sure, but it's worth every penny of it as a ticket to one of Kyoto鈥檚 most delightful architectural surprises. The unassuming exterior may deceive you at first, but once you step inside, prepare to be blown away. Built right into the hillside, the complex unfurls upward like a giant, sacred treehouse鈥攏o rope ladders, just a lot of stairs and even more wow.

In autumn, the scenery is a knockout, especially when the foliage turns the place into a technicolor dream. Picture-perfect Japanese maples and ginkgos flaunt a kaleidoscope of hues, throwing shade in golden yellows, fiery reds, and the occasional moody purple. Pro tip: Climb to the two-story pagoda for the ultimate leaf-peeping experience! And if you time it right, late November brings after-dark illuminations that make the whole hillside glow like a lantern-lit fantasy.

However, the temple鈥檚 main claim to fame is Amida Buddha, a statue with a mind of its own鈥攐r at least a good sense of urgency. Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, this isn't your average Buddha鈥攊nstead of gazing forward, it glances over its shoulder, mid-turn. According to legend, back in 1082, Abbot Eikan had a divine encounter while chanting Nembutsu 鈥� a Buddhist practice of reciting the name of Amida Buddha, typically with the phrase "Namu Amida Butsu", which means "I take refuge in Amida Buddha." In response, the statue sprang to life, urging the monk to "hurry up" (because spiritual enlightenment waits for no one). That moment still lives on in the upper temple's main icon, immortalizing Eikan's celestial rendezvous and honoring the devout monk.

Before you go: grab a moment of Zen at the quaint little rest area near the entrance鈥攕nag a seat and soak in the quiet vibes and the view made for daydreaming framed by the wide windows. Also, don鈥檛 miss the suikinkutsu鈥攁 quirky, water-powered instrument that serenades you with soothing sounds when you pour water into it. You may be surprised, but enlightenment does have a soundtrack...

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kyoto. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 黑料吃瓜网 App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Eikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple
Sight Location: Kyoto, Japan (See walking tours in Kyoto)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walk on Philosopher's Path

Walking Tours in Kyoto, Japan

Create Your Own Walk in Kyoto

Creating your own self-guided walk in Kyoto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Imperial Kyoto Walking Tour

Kyoto served as Japan鈥檚 imperial capital for over 1,000 years, from 794 to 1869, beginning with Emperor Kanmu鈥檚 relocation of his court to Heian-ky艒 (which is Kyoto鈥檚 former name). Though political power eventually shifted to the shogunate and later to Tokyo, Kyoto remained the cultural and symbolic heart of Japan. Its long association with the imperial court helped shape it into a refined... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

Gion District Walking Tour

Gion, one of Kyoto鈥檚 most captivating districts, is deeply rooted in Japan鈥檚 cultural heritage. Located in the Higashiyama (the so-called 鈥淓astern Mountain鈥�) neighborhood, its history dates back to the Sengoku period, when it began as a hospitality area for pilgrims visiting Yasaka Shrine. By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it had evolved into a renowned entertainment quarter,... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles

Walk on Philosopher's Path

Looking for a scenic walk with a side of existential pondering in Kyoto, you're inevitably bound to end up on the Philosopher鈥檚 Path. Winding its way for about two kilometers along the leafy canal that carries water from Lake Biwa to the foothills, this picturesque walking trail once served as the thinking route of Nishida Kitaro. Back in the first half of the 20th century, the famed... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Higashiyama Walking Tour

It'd be fair to say that Kyoto is a theme park for lovers of history, religion, and all things deeply, unmistakably Japanese. If so, Higashiyama Ward, with its long lines, can easily be recognized as its star attraction. Tucked along the city鈥檚 eastern edge鈥攈ence its poetic name translated as 鈥淓astern Mountain鈥濃€攖his district is where Kyoto flaunts its heritage like a geisha in full... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Arashiyama and Bamboo Grove Walking Tour

The Arashiyama district of Kyoto is slightly out of the way for tourists, but that means you can enjoy it more comfortably.

Undoubtedly, the most popular attraction here is the iconic Bamboo Grove, a mesmerizing forest of towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the breeze, creating an ethereal atmosphere. This serene setting is a must-visit for travelers seeking tranquility amidst... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles

Kyoto Shopping and Food Tour

The cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is just as famous as a shopper鈥檚 paradise and, without a doubt, the best place in the country to buy traditional and modern Japanese goods. Souvenirs, food, bargains, and various 鈥渙ne-of-a-kind items鈥� are all up for grabs here.

In addition to its shopping scene, Kyoto boasts a rich culinary heritage, from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

View all walking tours in Kyoto, Japan

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip

18 Japanese Products To Bring Home from Kyoto

The old capital of Japan, the city of Kyoto has once again been the talk of the world lately, thanks to the bestselling "Memoirs of a Geisha" book and the namesake Hollywood blockbuster movie. Renowned for its impeccable craftsmanship, Japan has so much to amaze a foreign eye with. Many of...