Eikando Zenrin-ji Temple
About the Eikando Camera
Eikando, formally Zenrin-ji, lies against the eastern hills between Nanzen-ji and the Philosopher's Path. It is the head temple of the Seizan branch of the Jodo sect, and its halls climb the slope, connected by covered corridors that give views down over the grounds.
It is best known in Kyoto as a maple temple. In the second half of November the garden and the slope behind the halls turn deep red, and the temple holds evening illuminations that draw long queues down the street outside. Those weeks are exactly when a congestion camera earns its place.
The temple also holds an unusual statue, the Mikaeri Amida, carved with its head turned to look back over its shoulder. The gesture is explained as Amida glancing back at followers who lag behind, and it has made the figure one of the more memorable objects in Kyoto.
Highlights & Nearby
- •Watch for: autumn colour in the second half of November, evening illumination queues, quiet mornings out of season
- •Nearby: the Philosopher's Path, Nanzen-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Okazaki
- •Note: one of Kyoto's busiest temples during the late-November maple season
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Eikando camera live?
Yes. It streams continuously.
When is the autumn colour at its best?
Generally the second half of November, when the temple also holds evening illuminations.
What is the Mikaeri Amida?
A statue of Amida carved looking back over its shoulder, said to represent Amida glancing back at followers who fall behind.
Where is it?
On the eastern hills between Nanzen-ji and the Philosopher's Path, in Sakyo ward.
