Eikan-do Review

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Eikan-do

  • Address: Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

Fodor's Review:

Nestled in the foothills, this temple complex has a beautiful garden with a large pond as a centerpiece, and the "borrowed scenery" of a mountain in the background. The buildings are 16th-century reconstructions, rebuilt after the originals were destroyed in the Onin Civil War in the 15th century. Officially this temple, founded in 855 by Priest Shinsho, is named Zenrin-ji, but it honors the memory of the 11th-century priest Eikan, and is popularly known as Eikan-do. He was a man of the people, and he would lead them in a dance in celebration of Amida Buddha. According to tradition, the Amida statue came to life on one occasion and stepped down from his pedestal to join the dancers. Taken aback, Eikan slowed his dancing feet. Amida looked back over his shoulder to reprimand Eikan for slowing his pace. This legend explains why the unusual statue in the Amida-do has its face turned to the side, as if glancing backward. A climb to the top of the pagoda affords superb views of the grounds below and Kyoto beyond. Autumn attracts throngs, not only to view the colorful maple trees but also to see the Buddhist treasures, such as paintings on fusuma (sliding doors), that are displayed in November. For this month the temple is lighted up until 9 PM. Eikan-do is a 15-minute walk south of Honen-in on the Path of Philosophy.

  • Cost: Dec.-Oct. ¥500, Nov. ¥1,000
  • Open: Dec.-Oct. daily 9-5; Nov. daily 9-9; last entry at 8:30
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