Enkoji in Kyoto

An elegant ancient temple

By Shozo Fujii

Community writer

Translated by Illaura Rossiter

Community writer

Surrounded by beautiful walls, Enkoji has long been a site for Buddhist monks to train

As you pass through the gate, the pathway is lined with pine trees

A "suikinkutsu", or buried earthen jar, makes a beautiful sound as cool water drips into it

Many tourists enjoy the red and orange fall leaves from here; it is just as beautiful in summer

Descending into the gardens, a small path runs through the bamboo grove

Seiryuchi is the oldest pond in northern Kyoto

With ever-changing branches in every shade of green, Jyu-gyu no Niwa (Jyu-gyu Garden) is known for its elegance

Notice

Autumn Foliage viewing at Enkoji from 15 November until 10 December 2020 requires a reservation.

Latest on Enkoji

In Kyoto's Ichijoji Kotanimachi area, Enkoji is the site of the temple school, Rakuyo, first opened by Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first Shogun of Japan. Even today, Enkoji is still used as training grounds by the Nanzenji Sect of Buddhism.

Among famous places in this area, Shisendo is perhaps better known to tourists. That said, Enkoji is home to a beautiful garden called Jyu-gyu no Niwa. Sitting on tatami and looking out over the gardens, you can breathe deeply as you gaze out over the fresh new growth in summer, or the fiery leaves of fall. This temple is often not crowded, so visitors can enjoy slowly walking through the temple gardens. If you're lucky, you may even see monkeys here when they come down from the mountains.

From Kyoto Station, take bus number 5 to Ichijoji Sagarimatsucho (一乗寺下り松町). The bus takes approximately 50 minutes. From the bus stop, Enkoji is approximately a ten minute walk.