Enko Ji Temple Northern Higashiyama

This small temple in far Northern Higashiyama packs a huge punch: It’s got two incredible gardens, some fine Buddhist artwork and even a small bamboo forest reminiscent of the famous one in Arashiyama.

[Enko-ji Temple in Northern Higashiyama — image © Damien Douxchamps]

This Zen temple, established by the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1600, is easily one of our favorite temples in Kyoto. It’s a little out of the way, but it’s well worth the trip. It’s almost never crowded and there is a lot to see and enjoy.

After passing through the gate and ascending to the main precinct of the temple, you will come to the Honryu-tei (Running Dragon) Garden. As the name suggests, the garden calls to mind a dragon in flight. It’s rare to use words like “wild” or “exciting” to describe a Zen garden, but here they are warranted. With huge stones jutting skyward, this is one garden that will take yoagodaur breath away.

After you pass by this garden, you enter the main stroll garden of the temple. The maples here are famous for their vibrant colors. There is a lovely pond here, behind which there is a small bamboo forest. After strolling the garden, you can enjoy the adjoining hall and sit for a while to enjoy the view over the garden. And, on your way out, you will be treated to an eye-popping view over Kyoto, all the way to the Arashiyama Mountains.

This temple is very close to Shisen-do Temple and Manshu-in Temple and you can easily spend half a day soaking up the wonders of these three uncrowded “secret” temples in Kyoto.

I’ve written up more info on the zen gardens in Kyoto and Kyoto’s secret spots if you’re interested.

English address:
13 Ichijoji-Kotani-cho, Sakyo-ku

Japanese address:
左京区一乗寺小谷町13

Opening hours:
9am-5pm

Admission:
¥500

Non-smoking area:
Yes

Nearest Transport:
10min walk from Ichijoji Sagarimatsucho Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 5 from Kyoto Station

Nearest Hotels:
See hotels around Shisen-do Temple if you want to stay near to Enko-ji Temple.

Telephone:
781-8025

Website: Enko-ji Temple (Japanese and English)

Where Is This Place Located?

• Open the Kyoto map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you’re using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

Near To Here:
Enko-ji Temple is located in Kyoto’s Northern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Northern Higashiyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

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