Kyoto

<p>A peek through the viewing window of one of the temple's rest houses</p>

A peek through the viewing window of one of the temple's rest houses (Photo: Mandy Bartok)

Kyoto

Autumn Scenery of Eikando

One of Kyoto's most stunning temples for fall foliage

Mandy Bartok Dec 04, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>A peek through the viewing window of one of the temple's rest houses</p>

<p>A small temple hides behind the foliage around the Hojo Pond</p>

<p>The fantastic scenery begins even before you enter the temple</p>

<p>Bell-shaped windows on the temple</p>

<p>Different shades of red make for a colorful palette</p>

<p>Maple leaves against patterned roof tiles</p>

<p>Part of the temple complex goes up the hillside</p>

<p>A view down into the foliage-filled garden from the temple's pagoda</p>

Neighboring Nanzen-ji always draws huge crowds for its autumn leaf displays but those in the know head slightly north to Eikando, where the maples blaze both around the Hojo Pond and up to the temple's two-story pagoda on the hillside. Eikando can be crowded so aim to visit on a weekday if possible. Show up when they first open and you'll have your pick of photo opportunities. Admission goes up to ¥1000 in autumn, but the beauty here far outweighs the price of entry.

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Find out more about Eikando Temple.

Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok @mandy.bartok

Japan resident for 10 years, with time spent in Okinawa, Kumamoto and Tokyo.