Festival & seasonal event in Kyoto
Eikando Autumn Illumination and Special Night Viewing
Enjoy around 3,000 maple trees glowing with autumn colors around a traditional strolling pond garden. Last admission at 8:30 PM; lights out and gates close at 9:00 PM.
- Dates
- Nov 20 (Fri) – Dec 6 (Sun)
- Hours
- 17:30 – 21:00
- Venue
- Eikando Temple (Zenrin-ji)
- Nearest station
- Keage
- Admission
- ¥1,000 for junior high school students and older
About this event
Around 3,000 maple trees colour the strolling pond garden at Eikando, a temple so famous for autumn foliage that it is nicknamed the Temple of Maples. After dark, illuminated leaves frame the Mieido Hall and Tahoto Pagoda, giving the garden a different character. One of the pleasures is seeing temple architecture appear at different levels of the wooded hillside. Reflections in the pond add another dimension to the scenery. Originally founded as a centre of esoteric Buddhism, Eikando later became associated with Pure Land Buddhist practice. The evening visit offers a chance to discover Kyoto's religious heritage through its gardens, buildings and autumn colours.
Highlights
- Admire around 3,000 maple trees in the strolling pond garden.
- See Tahoto Pagoda rising above the illuminated foliage.
- Enjoy the garden scenery with Mieido Hall in the background.
- Discover the story of the Looking-Back Amida Buddha and the monk Yokan.
- Good for
- For garden lovers, autumn foliage enthusiasts and travellers interested in Buddhist history.
Good to know before you go
- The Nanzanji-Eikando-michi city bus stop is closed during particularly busy autumn periods.
Pochikichi's story cornerWhy is Zenrin-ji better known as Eikando?
Eikando's official name is Zenrin-ji. Its origins lie with Shinjo, a disciple of Kukai, who established the temple during the Heian period. In 863, Emperor Seiwa granted it the name Zenrin-ji. It began as a centre for Shingon esoteric Buddhism, but its later identity was shaped by the monk Yokan.
Yokan promoted the practice of chanting the name of Amida Buddha and cared for people in need. In 1097, he established Yakuoin, which included a facility for treating the sick. His compassion left such a strong impression that people gradually began calling the temple Eikando, after him.
The temple's principal image, the Looking-Back Amida, is linked to an unusual story. In 1082, while Yokan was practising Buddhist chanting, he experienced a vision of Amida turning around to look back at him. The statue's head is turned to the left, capturing that remarkable moment.
Today, visitors come for the thousands of maple trees, but Eikando's story is also about a monk who devoted himself to others. Behind the brilliant autumn colours lies a tradition of compassion and Buddhist devotion. Look beyond the leaves towards Mieido Hall and remember the story of the Looking-Back Amida.
Sources: Eikando Official Website: Temple History (Japanese), Eikando Official Website: Historical Timeline (Japanese), Kyoto City Official Tourism Guide: Eikando Illumination (Japanese)
FAQ
- What is Eikando Autumn Illumination and Special Night Viewing?
- Around 3,000 maple trees colour the strolling pond garden at Eikando, a temple so famous for autumn foliage that it is nicknamed the Temple of Maples. After dark, illuminated leaves frame the Mieido Hall and Tahoto Pagoda, giving the garden a different character. One of the pleasures is seeing temple architecture appear at different levels of the wooded hillside. Reflections in the pond add another dimension to the scenery. Originally founded as a centre of esoteric Buddhism, Eikando later became associated with Pure Land Buddhist practice. The evening visit offers a chance to discover Kyoto's religious heritage through its gardens, buildings and autumn colours.
- When is Eikando Autumn Illumination and Special Night Viewing?
- From Nov 20 (Fri) to Dec 6 (Sun), 2026.
- What are the opening hours?
- 17:30 – 21:00
- How much does it cost?
- ¥1,000 for junior high school students and older
- Where is it and what is the nearest station?
- Eikando Temple (Zenrin-ji). The nearest station is Keage.
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