Temples & Shrines: Enkoji Temple

Enkoji Temple 圓光寺

• Enkoji Founded in 1601.
• Located in eastern Kyoto.
• A center of learning created by Tokugawa Ieyasu.
• Lovely garden.

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.

Enkoji 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.

The 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.

Inside the main hall of the temple itself is an amazing fusuma screen.

The garden of Enkoji too is lovely. The small statue of a boy resting, two mice watching him, is at the north end of the garden.

Admission Fee; 9am - 4.30pm.

The verdant garden at Enkoji Temple in the Higashiyama district of eastern Kyoto

Enkoji Temple gate and peaceful water basin

Enkoji Access

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.

Enkoji
13 Kotanicho
Ichijoji
Sakyo-ku
Kyoto.
Tel: 075 781-8025

Shugakuin Rikyu is also within easy walking distance of Enkoji along with Manshuin and Sekizanzenin temples.

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