Enkoji Temple

What to know

Enkoji (圓光寺, Enkōji) is a temple of the Rinzai Zen sect located in northern Kyoto, close to the Shugakuin Imperial Villa. It is renowned for its autumn colors, which typically peak in late November.

Founded in 1601 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shogun who ushered in the Edo Period (1603–1868), Enkoji also served as a school open to the public. The temple's main object of worship is a statue of the thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva.

The temple grounds feature a beautiful pond garden with many maple trees, offering lovely green views in summer and spectacular fall colors. Don't miss the short climb up the hill behind the garden for a bird's-eye view of the temple and the city. Another highlight is an underground water basin that lets visitors appreciate the delicate sound of dripping water.

Enkoji Temple is northeast of central Kyoto. It is about a 15-minute walk from Shugakuin or Ichijoji Station on the Eizan Railway, or about 20 minutes from the Shugakuin Imperial Villa.

From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station, transfer to the Keihan Main Line, and get off at the terminal Demachiyanagi Station. Then take the Eizan Railway to Ichijoji Station. The trip takes about 40 minutes and costs 670 yen one way.

Alternatively, take bus number 5 from Kyoto Station to the Ichijoji Sagarimatsucho bus stop. The bus ride takes about 50 minutes and costs 230 yen one way. From the bus stop, the temple is a 5–10 minute walk.