Visiting Eikando Zenrinji Temple (永観堂禅林寺) in Kyoto—Personal Experience

Along the Old Canal (or Philosopher's Path)

Eikando (永観堂⭐), formally known as Zenrinji Temple, belongs to the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism.^[1] It is located just north of the large temple complex of Nanzenji (南禅寺) along the Philosopher's Path (哲学の道).

哲学の道 is a pleasant city stroll following the old canal (click the map to enlarge), lined with cherry trees, between Ginkakuji Temple (銀閣寺) and Nanazenji Temple (南禅寺).  Local scholars call the little alley flanking the canal "The Path of Philosophy (哲学の道)."^[2]

Eikando (永観堂) 

Eikando is very famous for its autumn colors (season: late November to early December) and the evening illuminations that take place in fall. The temple has a long history, and there are a variety of buildings and a pond garden that visitors can explore.

Below photos were taken on 11/29/2016 during my 12-day trip to Japan.^[6-13]

Hojo Pond

Kyoto City View

References

1. Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji (Wikipedia)
2. Kyoto Walks
3. Eikando (永觀堂)
4. Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)
5. Kyoto Travel—Philosopher's Path (Along the Old Canal)
6. Japan Travel: Eating in Nara (奈良) (Travel for a Purpose)
7. Japan: Temple Lodging at Mount Koya (or Koyasan 高野山) (Travel for a Purpose)
8. Temple Lodging in Koyasan—Personal Experience (Travel for a Purpose)
9. Visiting Arashiyama (嵐山) in Kyoto—Personal Experience  (Travel for a Purpose)
10. Visiting Ohara in Kyoto—Personal Experience  (Travel for a Purpose)
11. Visiting Nigatsudo Hall (二月堂) in Nara—Personal Experience  (Travel for a Purpose)
12. Visiting Yoshiki-en Garden (吉城園 / よしきえん) in Nara—Personal Experience  (Travel for a Purpose)
13. Visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社)—Personal Experience  (Travel for a Purpose)
14. Travel: How to Ride a Train in Japan (Travel for a Purpose)
15. Japan Travel — How to Ride a Bus in Kyoto Area (Travel for a Purpose)