Eikando Temple Autumn Leaves 2026 Confirmed

永観堂(禅林寺)の紅葉 — Kyoto (Kansai)

Kyoto has ranked Eikando's maples first since poetry anthologies of the Heian period — the temple's nickname is simply "Eikando of the maples." About 3,000 trees pack its hillside grounds, coloring from mid- to late November around ponds, covered stairways, and a two-story pagoda with city views. The autumn night illumination, held alongside the temple's treasure exhibition, runs roughly early November to early December, 5:30pm to 9:00pm (entry until 8:30pm), turning the Hojo pond into a mirror of red.

Background

Founded in 863 as Zenrin-ji by Shinsho, a disciple of Kukai, the temple took its popular name from the beloved 11th-century abbot Eikan. It heads the Seizan Zenrin-ji branch of Jodo (Pure Land) Buddhism. Its most treasured statue is the Mikaeri Amida — a rare Amida looking back over his shoulder.

Getting there

From Kyoto Station, City Bus 5 to the Nanzenji-Eikando-michi stop takes about 35 minutes; the temple is a 3-minute walk. Faster in traffic season: the Karasuma subway to Karasuma-Oike, transfer to the Tozai Line to Keage Station, then walk 15 minutes north past Nanzen-ji.

Tips

• During the autumn treasure exhibition the daytime admission rises to ¥1,000, and day and night sessions are fully separate — everyone is cleared out before the illumination, so you cannot wait inside for dusk.
• The night session queue forms well before the 5:30pm opening; either line up 30-45 minutes early or arrive after 7:30pm when the first wave has moved through.
• Tripods are not allowed at the illumination, so plan on handheld shots — the pond reflection near the Hojo works well braced on the railing.
• Nanzen-ji, with its huge sanmon gate and brick aqueduct among the maples, is a free-to-roam 10-minute walk south — do it in daylight before your Eikando night ticket.

Last verified against the official source: Mon, July 6, 2026