Autumn Foliage of Eikando, Kyoto: 1

Gorgeous autumn colors in the temple grounds

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

1 of 7

The setting sun is shining through autumn leaves around Amida Hall, where a precious statue of Amida Buddha is housed; it is commonly known as 'Looking-back Amida' for its shape (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Vermilion light beaming down from above (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Fiery red autumn foliage in front of Eikando Preschool inside the temple grounds (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Looking down from the top of stone stairs in front of Amida Hall. You can see the burning red autumn leaves abundant in the line of tall cedar trees (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Stone markers of popular songs in olden times, 'Imayo' (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Autumn foliage tunnel covering the stone stairs in front of Amida Hall (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Corridor connecting Amida Hall and Ihai Hall (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

The 'Philosopher's Walk' is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kyoto. It is located at the foot of Mt. Higashi. Its southward route starts around Wakaoji Shrine, which is located north east of Eikando. The north route goes along a canal to Ginkakuji Temple. In this photo series, I will introduce the renowned 'Autumn Foliage of Eikando' in three stories. I visited this temple on November 19th, 2013.

The first story of this series features the autumn foliage around Amida Hall, which houses the 'Looking-back Amida', the precious main Buddah statue of this temple. The burning vermilion autumn leaves seen through cedar trees and the view of Amida Hall shining in red hue under the setting sun are just marvelous.

Buddha Hall in Bliss Series - Autumn Foliage of Eikando, Kyoto: 1 - Autumn Foliage of Eikando, Kyoto: 2 - Autumn Foliage of Eikando, Kyoto: 3