Last year, I collected the beautiful scenery of Kyoto Eikando’s maple viewing area at night. This trip I hesitated whether to visit again during the day to see the maple leaves. I'm glad I included Eikando in my itinerary, because the maple leaves here have their own unique charm no matter day or night. Every autumn, it always attracts a large number of tourists to enjoy it, making it one of the must-see attractions in Kyoto. The red leaves, koi carp, ginkgo and Buddha statues against the background are unforgettable whether you look up or down, making you want to come back again and again.
Introduction to the transportation mode and background of Eikando
In the previous Yongguantang Yefeng article, the transportation methods and background have been introduced. Anya has always believed that the Kyoto bus is very convenient and can easily reach almost all famous maple viewing spots. Therefore, it is recommended that everyone use the Kyoto bus one-day pass to arrange a one-day maple viewing itinerary.
The history of Eikando can be traced back to the Heian period. It was originally the villa of scholar Fujiwara Sekio. It was later named Zenrinji Temple by Emperor Seiwa and was renamed Eikando after lawyer Eikan presided over it. Step into the temple garden and stroll to the Sakyamuni Hall, Kaishan Hall, and Yuying Hall. The buildings in the temple are connected to each other and the scenery is leisurely. For complete transportation methods and introduction, please read the previous article.
Related Post: Kyoto Eikando: A great place to enjoy maple leaves at night, with red leaves, ginkgo trees and lake views.
▲ Regardless of rain or shine, there are almost all the people who admire the autumn leaves.
▲ Everyone is here for this bright red.
▲ The entrance alone is worth taking another shot.
▲ List of fees for daytime visits.
▲Let's take a look at our footsteps.
Experience of viewing maples in Yongguantang: The difference in beautiful scenery between day and night
The daytime visit fee for Eikando Hall is 1,000 yen per person, which is slightly higher than the night maple ticket price of 600 yen. This is because the open area is wider during the day, and visitors can enter the Zen monastery hall and sit down to enjoy the dry landscape garden. At night, there are arrangements for illuminated routes, which are more limited in scope, but have a unique atmosphere. For those who love red leaves and photography, it is highly recommended to visit twice day and night to collect all the different views of Eikando.
Although it was drizzling that day, the colors of the maple leaves were more vivid and the pictures captured were more layered. Although there are many people, it is difficult to put down the camera due to the beautiful scenery. If you want to take aerial shots with few people, it is recommended to enter the venue early in the morning when it opens, or wait patiently and slow down your pace, so that you can naturally capture the moment you like.
Compared with cherry blossom viewing, you have more time to enjoy maple viewing. From the color of the leaves starting to change to full red, to the ground being covered with red leaves, each has its own beauty and can last up to a month. Searching for "Autumn Leaves Front" is a good helper for planning your itinerary. Kyoto has a wealth of maple viewing spots, from Jingoji Temple to the city, and even famous night maple spots, they are full of infinite beauty for you to savor.
▲ A series of landscape photos of red leaves hope to attract you to go.
▲ It was a pity at the time that I could not record all the maple viewing spots in these three trips.
▲ A telephoto lens is necessary, which can avoid the crowd.
▲ Approaching Yefeng time, the crowd has gradually dispersed.
▲ Change to the night to watch the maple crowd debut.
Kyoto Eikando (Zenrinji Temple)
- Address: 48 Eikandocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
- Phone: 075-761-0007
- Opening hours during the day: 09:00~17:00
- Night view of autumn leaves: 17:30~21:30
- Day visit fare: 1,000 yen
- Official website:http://www.eikando.or.jp/
