Enkoji Temple
Enkoji Temple: read a guide to Enkoji Temple, Kyoto. Read about Enkoji Temple's history, location, and other features of this Kyoto temple.
Temples & Shrines: Enkoji Temple 圓光寺
Enkoji Temple, Kyoto, Japan
Located at the foot of Mt. Hiei, in the north eastern part of Kyoto, Enkoji Temple is one of many temples that dot this part of town. Enkoji is a short walk from either Manshuin or Shisendo and should be seen on a visit to this delightful part of Kyoto.
Enkoji Temple & Garden, Kyoto © John Lander
Enkoji Temple Entrance, Kyoto
Enkoji Temple was founded in 1601 by Tokugawa Ieyasu in Fushimi, in the southern part of the city. Enkoji's stated mission was to promote learning and scholarship in Japan.
As a result, both monks and laymen were allowed as students.
Enkoji Temple was moved to its current location in 1667.
Enkoji has a small hall in which images and other items are displayed. This is on your right as you enter.
Within this is a six-panel byobu, or screen, painted by Ohkyo Maruyama (1733-1795), who mixed Western and Eastern styles of painting in his work.
Inside the main hall of Enkoji Temple itself is an amazing fusuma screen (sliding door screen).
The garden of Enkoji too is lovely. The small statue of a boy resting, two mice watching him, is at the northern end of the temple garden.
Admission Fee; 9 am - 4.30 pm.
The verdant garden at Enkoji Temple in the Higashiyama district of eastern Kyoto
Peaceful water basin, Enkoji
Enkoji Access - how to get to Enkoji Temple
From Ichijoji Station on the Eiden Railways, walk east toward the hills in the distance (Mt. Hiei). Cross Shirakawa Dori (street) and continue straight. Walk up the slope. On your right you will come to the gate of Shisendo.
Enkoji is down the narrow street you passed just before getting to Shisendo. 2-3 minutes down this street on the right. There are signs. Alternatively take a number #5 bus from Kyoto Station and get off at the Ichijoji-sagarimatsu-cho bus stop.
Jizo Statue, Enkoji Temple & Garden, Kyoto
Enkoji
13 Kotanicho
Ichijoji
Sakyo-ku
Kyoto.
Tel: 075 781-8025
Admission: 500 yen
Enkoji Access Map
Shugakuin Rikyu is also within easy walking distance of Enkoji along with Manshuin and Sekizanzenin temples.
