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We had Eikando Temple saved in our itinerary during our Japan trip, mostly as a “nice-to-see-if-we-have-time” stop. We came in with no real expectations — and that’s exactly why it surprised us so much.
The temple grounds are spacious and varied, with a lot to explore. From beautiful seasonal foliage and elegant architecture to tranquil ponds and a pagoda with views over Kyoto, it felt like every turn offered something different.
We ended up falling in love with Eikando almost immediately, and by the end of the visit, it had easily become one of our favorite temples in Kyoto.
In this guide, we’re sharing our experience visiting Eikando Temple, along with practical tips on how to plan your visit and how to fit it naturally into your Things to Do in Kyoto list.
Key Highlights
📍Location: Eastern Kyoto, Okazaki area
⭐️ Best time to visit: early morning or near sunset
💰 Entrance fee: ¥ 600
🕥 Opening hours: see official website
🚗 How to get there: by bus
🥾Accessibility: easy walking with some stairs
Is it worth it?
Yes — very much so.
Eikando is worth visiting if you want a temple that offers space, variety, and a calmer pace. The grounds are large and well laid out, with multiple paths, ponds, halls, and viewpoints, so the visit never feels repetitive. We loved discovering new corners as we walked around.
Compared to more famous Kyoto temples, Eikando feels less overwhelming while still delivering on scenery and atmosphere. You get seasonal colors, elegant architecture, and city views from higher points, all without the constant crowd pressure.
Based on our visit, this is a temple we’d recommend even if you’re short on time — especially if you want one place that offers more than just a quick photo stop.
In a hurry?
These are our top hotels in Kyoto we’d book again
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cross Hotel Kyoto (our top pick) – A modern mid-range stay in a central part of downtown. Comfortable rooms, great design, and an easy base for exploring.
👉 See prices & availability →
⭐️⭐️ The Thousand Kyoto – A luxury hotel with spacious, minimalist rooms and an excellent breakfast. Its location makes getting around the city incredibly easy.
👉 See prices &availability →
⭐️ Guesthouse Soi – A simple and budget-friendly guesthouse near Kiyomizu-dera with clean rooms and a genuinely warm, helpful atmosphere.
👉 See prices & availability
Where is Eikando Temple
Eikando Temple is located in eastern Kyoto, in the Okazaki area, just north of Gion and slightly away from the busiest tourist streets. The area feels calmer compared to central Higashiyama.
In terms of distance from popular spots:
- Nanzen-ji Temple: about 10 minutes on foot
- Philosopher’s Path: around 15 minutes on foot
- Gion: roughly 25–30 minutes on foot
- Kyoto Station: about 20 minutes by taxi
📍Save the location to your Google Maps.
How to get there
On foot
We reached Eikando on foot while exploring the Okazaki area, and it was an easy, pleasant walk. If you’re coming from Nanzen-ji or the Philosopher’s Path, it fits naturally into the route and feels unrushed. Paths are flat most of the way, and the area around the temple is much calmer than central Higashiyama.
By bus
Kyoto buses are a practical option if you’re coming from farther away. We used them several times and found them straightforward with Google Maps showing stops and lines clearly.
Buses can get crowded at peak times, but they work well for reaching the Okazaki area. Remember, you pay when you exit, and it’s a flat fare regardless of distance.
By taxi
Taxis are the easiest option if you’re short on time. You can get dropped very close to the entrance, with only a short walk needed. From central Kyoto, it’s usually quick unless traffic is heavy.
Entrance fees
Entrance Fee: ¥600
Eikando has a paid entrance to the main temple grounds, where most of the highlights are located. Outside of peak seasons, the standard entrance fee is around ¥600 per person, which we found very reasonable for how much there is to see inside.
During the autumn foliage exhibition, the fee is higher — when we visited, we paid ¥1,000 per person. In return, you get access to the full grounds at their most colorful, along with seasonal displays and a slightly different route through the temple.
Once inside, the grounds feel spacious and unhurried, with access to garden paths, ponds, temple halls, and the pagoda viewpoint overlooking Kyoto. Even during the autumn season, it never felt cramped thanks to spacious layout.
Check the official website for the most recent entrance fee and opening hours.
What to expect at Eikando Temple
As soon as we entered the grounds, we were surrounded by color. Red and orange trees were everywhere, and the space immediately felt calm. The gardens are spacious, with wide paths that let you wander without feeling boxed in, even when other visitors are around.
From there, we entered the main temple building, which follows a one-way exhibition route. Shoes off at the entrance, then you move through a series of prayer halls and rooms displaying art and historical objects. It’s slow-paced and well organized, and the one-way flow makes it feel less chaotic.
After exiting the first building, the route splits. Turn to the left toward a pagoda set higher on the hillside. After climbing a set of stairs, you reach the top, where there’s a small shrine. The focus here isn’t really the shrine — it’s the views over Kyoto.
After coming back down, the route continues into the largest hall, filled with statues and religious artifacts. Photography isn’t allowed here, which actually makes the experience feel more respectful.
The visit ends back in the gardens, where everything slows down again. One of our favorite spots was a pond with a small teahouse, which looked like the perfect place to sit for a while, have a cup of tea, and take in the surroundings before moving on.
Facilities
Eikando is well equipped for visitors and feels easy to navigate, even during busier periods.
Inside the grounds, you’ll find public toilets, rest areas, and small souvenir stalls selling traditional items. Paths are clearly marked, and there are enough open spaces and benches to pause and take in the surroundings without feeling rushed.
There are no large cafés or restaurants inside, but we passed a very lovely tea house along the way.
Where to eat and drink
- Tendon Restaurant Loosen Up! – Crispy tempura bowls with generous portions. Great comfort food after a long day of walking.
- ZIRAEL Vegan Restaurant – The menu is fully vegan, thoughtfully prepared, and feels like a nice break from heavier meals after a long day of temple hopping.
- GYUKATSU Kyoto Katsugyu Gion Yasaka – We ate here multiple times across Japan, and it never disappointed. Crispy beef cutlet, consistent quality, and a reliable choice when you want something filling.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Eikando depends on whether you want calm, color, or views — but timing makes a big difference.
Early morning is ideal if you want to explore the grounds at a relaxed pace. Paths are quieter, it’s easier to enjoy the gardens and architecture, and you can move through the complex without constantly stopping for crowds.
Late afternoon works well too, especially if you plan to stay until sunset. The light softens across the gardens and from the pagoda viewpoint, and the atmosphere feels calmer compared to mid-day.
Season-wise, autumn is the most popular thanks to the foliage, and it’s when the temple looks its most dramatic — but it also brings higher entrance fees and more visitors. Spring is also beautiful, summer is quieter but warmer, and winteroffers a more peaceful experience with fewer people.
If you can, avoid mid-day, when tour groups tend to arrive and the paths feel busiest.
Where to stay in Kyoto
Kyoto is a city where location makes a real difference. Staying central helps you balance full sightseeing days with calmer evenings, and having the right hotel to return to matters after hours of walking between temples.
If you’re still deciding which area suits your travel style, check out our full guide on where to stay in Kyoto — it breaks down the best neighborhoods, with hand-picked hotel recommendations for different types of trips.
Here are the ones we’d happily book again:
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cross Hotel Kyoto (our top pick)
Cross Hotel Kyoto stands out because it actually makes Kyoto easy to explore. It’s set in a quiet area of downtown near the Kamogawa River, but you’re right between Kawaramachi and Gion, so most days start and end on foot rather than on buses. That alone saves a lot of time and energy.
Rooms feel larger and more practical than average for Kyoto, with enough space for luggage and good beds. The overall vibe is calm and polished — exactly what you want to come back to after busy sightseeing days.
If we had to book one hotel in Kyoto again, this would be the safest and most balanced choice.
⭐️ Best for: Couples or travelers who want a peaceful but truly central base
👉 See prices & availability →
⭐️⭐️ The Thousand Kyoto
The Thousand Kyoto is the hotel we’d choose when convenience matters most. It’s located right next to Kyoto Station, which makes arrivals, departures, and day trips to places like Nara or Osaka completely hassle-free.
Inside, it feels much calmer than the location suggests. Rooms are larger than average for Kyoto, quiet, and well laid out, making it easy to properly rest after long days out. Breakfast is genuinely good, with both Japanese and Western options, and having on-site dining and a spa is a nice bonus when you don’t feel like heading back out.
This is the hotel we’d book when we want comfort and smooth logistics without thinking twice about transport.
⭐️ Best for: Travelers who want modern comfort with the easiest transport access in Kyoto
👉 See prices & availability →
⭐️ Guesthouse Soi
Guesthouse Soi is a great choice if location and budget matters more than hotel extras. It’s set in Higashiyama, within walking distance of Kiyomizu-dera and some of Kyoto’s most atmospheric streets, which makes early mornings and late evenings especially enjoyable.
Rooms are simple but clean, and the overall feel is quiet and relaxed. What really stands out is how easy it is to explore this part of Kyoto on foot without relying on buses. If you’d rather spend your budget on food and experiences than on accommodation, this is a smart, practical option.
⭐️ Best for: Budget travelers who want to stay in Kyoto’s most walkable, historic area
👉 See prices & availability →
FAQ
Plan for 60–90 minutes to explore the grounds at a relaxed pace, longer if you’re visiting during the autumn exhibition.
No. Tickets are purchased on-site, even during peak seasons, though lines can form during autumn foliage periods.
Mostly yes. Paths are generally easy to walk, but there are some stairs and uneven sections, especially near viewpoints and gardens. We left our stroller outside the temple while we explored.
Photography is allowed in most outdoor areas, but restrictions apply inside temple buildings. Signs clearly indicate where photos aren’t permitted.
Final Thoughts
Eikando is one of those places that suprised us with its atmosphere. It offered us space, variety, and a slower pace, which made the visit feel rewarding rather than rushed. Even with other visitors around, the layout gives you room to explore and enjoy the surroundings.
If you’re choosing just a few temples in Kyoto and want one that is worth it, Eikando is an easy pick — and one we’d happily include again on a return trip.