Enkoji (圓光寺, Enkōji) is a temple of the Rinzai Zen Sect, situated in northern Kyoto close to the Shugakuin Imperial Villa. It is famous for its autumn colors which usually peak in late November.
Enkoji was founded in 1601 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shogun who brought about the Edo Period (1603-1868). The temple also served as a school that was open to the common public. Enkoji's principal object of worship is a statue of the thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva.
In its courtyard, Enkoji has a beautiful garden with a pond and many maple trees. It provides lovely views of greenery in summer and stunning fall colors in autumn. Do not miss the short climb up the hill behind the garden, from where a bird's eye view of the temple and the city can be seen. Another feature of the garden is an underground water basin that allows visitors to appreciated the delicate sound of dripping water.
Getting there and around
Enkoji Temple is located northeast of central Kyoto. It can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes from Shugakuin or Ichijoji Station along the Eizan Railways or in about 20 minutes from the Shugakuin Imperial Villa.
By train
From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station, transfer to the Keihan Main Line and alight at the final stop Demachiyanagi Station. From there, take the Eizan Railways to Ichijoji Station. The whole trip takes about 40 minutes and costs 670 yen one way.
By bus
Take bus number 5 from Kyoto Station to the Ichijoji Sagarimatsucho (一乗寺下り松町) bus stop. The bus ride takes about 50 minutes and costs 230 yen one way. From the bus stop, the temple can be reached in a 5-10 minute walk.
How to get to and around Kyoto
Hours and Fees
Hours
9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed
No closing days
Admission
800 yen
During the autumn color season (November 10 to December 10, 2025), online reservations are necessary to visit the temple, and the admission fee is temporarily raised to 1500 yen.
During the autumn color season (November 10 to December 10, 2025), online reservations are necessary to visit the temple, and the admission fee is temporarily raised to 1500 yen.
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
English
Japanese
Hotels around Kyoto
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Sponsoredarashiyama villa Serenitas kyotoA private wooden rental house with Japanese garden, down an alley from the bustling street of Arashiyama. Located right next to Tenryu-ji the World Heritage.View siteSponsored -
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SponsoredArashiyama HanaikadaA little, superior ryokan right near Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama. Free transfer from JR station. Private bath and open-air baths available. 5min walk to the Bamboo Groves.View siteSponsored
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Top rated in Kyoto
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Ryokan Mugen (Adult Only)Mugen is a property that was built 160 years ago, situated in Kyoto, 1 km from Nijo Castle. Every room at Mugen features an en suite shower room, toilet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Free WiFi is available throughout the entire property. You will find a shared lounge on site and a bar at the annex building. The ryokan also offers bike hire. Imperial Palace is 1.1 km from Mugen, while Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is 1.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Osaka Itami Airport, 39 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Mitsuki KyotoView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Mitsuki Kyoto in Kyoto offers a 3-star ryokan experience with air-conditioned rooms featuring private bathrooms, baths, and garden views. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, and free toiletries.Exceptional Facilities
Guests enjoy a serene garden, a cosy bar, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a coffee machine, ground-floor units with inner courtyard views, and a quiet street setting.Delicious Breakfast
A variety of breakfast options are available, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free selections. Local specialities are served in-room, highly praised by guests.Convenient Location
Located 46 km from Itami Airport, the ryokan is situated in the city centre. Nearby attractions include Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion. Private check-in and check-out, concierge service, and daily housekeeping enhance the stay. -
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AzukiyaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Azukiya in Kyoto offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and garden views. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, and free toiletries.Exceptional Facilities
Guests enjoy a garden, hot tub, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a shared kitchen, laundry service, and bicycle parking.Delicious Breakfast
A variety of breakfast options are available, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free. Breakfast is served in the room, ensuring a pleasant start to the day.Convenient Location
Located 47 km from Itami Airport, Azukiya is situated on a quiet street. Nearby attractions include the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle. -
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Guesthouse KYOTO COMPASSLocated in Kyoto, this traditional Japanese guest house features free Wi-Fi and a free public computer. Shichijo Onmae bus stop is 3 minutes’ walk away. A seating area and shared bathroom are provided with each room at Guesthouse KYOTO COMPASS. Free toiletries are provided and blankets are available upon request. Select rooms have a garden view. A shared living area and bicycles are available for guests’ use during their stay at this Kyoto Guesthouse Compass. Access to the shared kitchen is available upon request. The guest house is 4.5 km from Imperial Palace and 2.2 km from Kyoto Station. Nijo Castle and Toji Castle are within a 30 minutes’ bus ride away.View on Booking.com -
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Ryokan ToriRyokan Tori is located in Kyoto, 2 km from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. The property is around 2.3 km from Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace. The property is 3.2 km from Kinkaku-ji Temple and 3.7 km from Kyoto International Manga Museum. All guest rooms in the ryokan are fitted with a kettle. Each room has a shared bathroom, while selected rooms are fitted with a balcony and others also offer a garden view. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Guests at tori can enjoy an Asian breakfast. Heian Shrine is 5 km from the accommodation. Itami Airport is 50 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Gallery Nozawa InnGallery Nozawa Inn offers accommodation in Kyoto, 25 minutes on foot from JR Kyoto Station. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Every room includes a flat-screen TV and air conditioning. Each room is equipped with a private toilet, and bathrooms are shared. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. There is luggage storage space at the property. Guests can sample Japanese-style breakfast featuring seasonal ingredients. There is a public bathhouse located a 10-minute walk away. Nijo Castle is 2.4 km from Gallery Nozawa Inn, while Kyoto International Manga Museum is 2.4 km from the property. Osaka Itami Airport is 36 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Kyo-Anthu InnView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Kyo-Anthu Inn in Kyoto offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and soundproofing for a pleasant stay.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a serene garden and a comfortable breakfast in the room with continental options featuring fresh fruits. The property provides full-day security and a quiet street view.Convenient Location
Located 44 km from Itami Airport, the guest house is highly rated for its friendly host, family-friendly environment, and convenient location. Reception staff speak English and Japanese. -
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Hotel MusoView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel Muso in Kyoto offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, free toiletries, and a work desk.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lift, hot tub, concierge service, and daily housekeeping. Additional services include express check-in and check-out, luggage storage, and breakfast in the room.Prime Location
Situated in the city centre, the hotel is 45 km from Itami Airport. Nearby attractions include Kiyomizu Temple and Gion District. Guests appreciate the convenient location and excellent service. -
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Miru Kyoto GionView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Miru Kyoto Gion in Kyoto offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, bidet, hairdryer, and free toiletries.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lift, 24-hour front desk, full-day security, and luggage storage. Additional features include a bath, ground-floor unit, tatami floor, and sofa.Convenient Location
Located 47 km from Itami Airport, the hotel is highly rated for its attentive staff, convenient location, and comfortable rooms. -
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Hotel Gion IchirinView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel Gion Ichirin in Kyoto offers adults-only rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a bath, tea and coffee maker, and free toiletries.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy spa facilities, a sauna, and a private open-air bath. Additional amenities include bathrobes, a coffee machine, and a wine or champagne.Convenient Location
Located 46 km from Itami Airport, the hotel is highly rated for its convenient location and excellent service. Reception staff speak English, Japanese, and Chinese.
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Kyoto Restaurants
Recommended in Kyoto
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Sushi HayashiAwarded One Star in 2024 - A unique sushi restaurant that blends traditional Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi with Kyoto-style sushi, such as mackerel sushi and steamed sushi, in its courses. The head chef, who trained as a sushi artisan in Switzerland, carefully selects Swiss wines, making them a perfect pairing to enjoy with the meal.View on JapanEatinerary -
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Noguchi TsunaguAwarded One Star in 2024 - The sister restaurant of the highly exclusive Japanese cuisine establishment, Kyotenjin Noguchi. While maintaining the culinary essence of the main branch, this kappo-style restaurant incorporates ingredients from the chef窶冱 hometown in the Goto Islands. Its signature dish, Nikusui, is a masterpiece made from carefully prepared, top-quality A5-grade sirloin.View on JapanEatinerary -
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Kamoryori TabuchiWithin a historic wooden house over 100 years old, savor exquisite dishes crafted with the finest premium brand duck, Kawachi Duck. Raised on feed free from pesticides and delivered fresh every morning, Kawachi Duck is so fresh it can even be enjoyed raw. Indulge in a superb multi-course duck cuisine experience that only a specialty restaurant can offer.View on JapanEatinerary -
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Enyuan KobayashiAwarded One Star in 2024 - Under the skillful craftsmanship of a master chef trained at renowned establishments, this restaurant offers tempura that highlights seasonal ingredients, including richly sweet tiger prawns and their signature sea urchin wrapped in seaweed. Mid-course, the menu also features exquisite simmered dishes and sashimi.View on JapanEatinerary -
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Sushi RakumiAwarded One Star in 2024 - You can savor a creative omakase course that combines refined Japanese cuisine with Edomae sushi, crafted by a highly skilled chef who trained at Japanese restaurants and sushi establishments that have earned three stars. Ingredients are primarily sourced from Kyoto Central Market, with seasonal, high-quality ingredients also procured from Tokyo's Toyosu Market and Yaizu Market in Shizuoka.View on JapanEatinerary -
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Kanamean NishitomiyaAwarded One Star in 2024 - Sophisticated kaiseki cuisine experienced at a ryokan. Combining tuna with caviar or pairing soba noodles with truffles, the dishes showcase a creative approach that explores unique combinations and flavors. The only establishment in Kyoto affiliated with Relais & Chateaux, where the owner and proprietress draw on their experiences gained abroad to collaborate with chefs in crafting the menu.View on JapanEatinerary -
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VenaAwarded One Star in 2024 - A restaurant founded by a chef and sommelier born and raised in Kyoto, built on the concept of carefully selected seasonal ingredients and aged Italian wines. In an elegant space adorned with Scandinavian vintage furniture, guests can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine crafted with an abundance of seasonal ingredients unique to each time of year. Awarded One Star in 2024.View on JapanEatinerary -
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Torisho SaiA newly spotlighted restaurant opened in 2024, part of the group of Yakitori Ichimatsu, one of Japan's most renowned yakitori establishments. Housed in a stylishly renovated traditional Japanese home, the restaurant serves yakitori made with Akita窶冱 "Hinai Jidori," one of Japan窶冱 top three premium chicken breeds, aged for about three days to enhance its flavor.View on JapanEatinerary -
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NakatsukaAwarded One Star in 2024 - A one-of-a-kind restaurant where you can enjoy innovative cuisine crafted by the highly skilled Chef Mr. Nakatsuka, who honed his expertise at domestic and international three-star and two-star establishments. The restaurant is themed around "aroma" and features an open kitchen, designed to share the scents of the cooking process with its guests.View on JapanEatinerary -
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MiyawakiA restaurant with a unique concept of offering traditional Kyoto cuisine in Tokyo, blending authentic techniques with innovative approaches. It is also known for attracting numerous prominent figures from various fields, including renowned Japanese music producers and soccer players.View on JapanEatinerary
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Experiences around Kyoto
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SponsoredKiyomizu Ware Pottery Experience at a Century-Old Kiln in KyotoBased in Kyoto, the reputable Shoukoku Kiln, which was established more than 100 years ago, creates exquisite ceramic tableware that high-end ryotei restaurants use for kappo fine-dining cuisine. At this prestigious kiln that preserves tradition while constantly seeking innovation, discover the secrets to long-lasting, high-quality ceramics as you hand-build or paint pottery under the guidance of a skilled artisan who has mastered the art of Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki ceramic ware.View experienceSponsored -
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SponsoredLearn the Art of Karesansui Dry-Garden Raking from a Kyoto MasterKyoto’s Sagano-Arashiyama district is an iconic landmark, beloved by visitors from all over Japan and the world for its harmony of rich natural scenery and historic architecture. Here, the cultural property garden restoration and maintenance organization Sone Zoen – responsible for designing and managing the gardens of famous shrines and temples across Kyoto – runs the “Hogan” facility, which offers visitors the chance to experience authentic Zen sand raking in a traditional Japanese house and garden. Find inner tranquility as you contemplate the garden’s beauty, before experiencing the spirit of Zen and the historic tradition of karesansui dry gardening through sand-raking with a master.View experienceSponsored -
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SponsoredMaiko Tea and Entertainment with Behind-the-Scenes Insights at Kyoto’s Oldest Geisha DistrictGain valuable insights into Kyoto’s historic geisha culture at Umeno, a traditional ochaya banquet house in Kamishichiken, the oldest of Kyoto’s five geisha districts. Although ochaya generally turn away new customers, Umeno’s proprietress-to-be invites you to watch a maiko’s (apprentice geisha) elegant dance and learn about her culture. Then, chat with them over sweets and matcha tea personally prepared by the maiko. After trying a traditional party game and snapping some pictures, hear about Umeno’s sustainable practices and enter the dressing room used by its maiko, an extremely rare chance to go behind the scenes.View experienceSponsored -
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SponsoredTea Plantation Tour and Organic Green Tea Tasting in the Birthplace of Japanese Green Tea, KyotoFounded in 1658 in the Kyoto town of Ujitawara – the birthplace of Japanese green tea – the Kaki-i plantation grows tea completely without the use of pesticides. In this experience, visitors can join the 21st generation head of the plantation to tour its fields and see historical sites associated with Soen Nagatani, who first developed the Japanese green tea enjoyed around the world today. If your seasonal timing is right, you can also observe the tea harvest or the processing of the leaf. Finally, enjoy a comparative tasting of 3 to 4 of Kaki-i’s organic teas in a 150-year-old traditional Japanese home, and learn how best to enjoy each.View experienceSponsored -
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SponsoredPrivate Stay at World Heritage Site Ninna-ji With Special Tour and Bewitching Light-UpExperience Ninna-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with deep links to the imperial family, like no other through an overnight stay inside the grounds. During a special private tour led by one of its monks, enter some of the oldest surviving temple buildings in all of Japan, such as the Great Hall (a National Treasure), which is normally closed to the public. Then, the grounds are yours for the night - after the sun sets, explore the lit-up grounds and take advantage of the lovingly curated accommodation, a former temple samurai residence (dinner also available as an optional add-on). Finally, refresh yourself by joining the monks’ morning service and Dharma sermon, as well as drawing rock patterns.View experienceSponsored
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Top rated in Kyoto
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Kyoto 100% Pure Silk Kimono ExperienceBasic okomon kimono plan: [Included in the fee]: Only okomon kimono and half-width obi are included [Excluded from the fee]: Small bag, tabi socks, rental sandals, muscle wear, and corrections are not includedView on Klook -
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Matcha Tea Ceremony Experience (Kyoto)You can enjoy watching the tea ceremony by the teacher and experience the tea ceremony. Comes with matcha and Japanese sweets!View on Klook -
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Private Kyoto Gion Highlights & Hidden Gems Tour with Local GuideExperience the best of Gion’s nightlife scene with a local insider to guide youView on Klook -
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Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Zen Gardens & GemsSaga-Arashiyama Station: Meet at the Saga-Arashiyama Station, where you can take a few minutes to explore the surrounding area and get acquainted with your group.View on Klook -
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Kyoto City Highlights & Hidden Gems Private Custom Tour with a LocalGet to know the real Kyoto with your host (a city local) and avoid the tourist traps, whilst still seeing the highlights!View on Klook -
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Kyoto 4 Hour Low-Down Private Walking TourSee a tailor-made selection of sites, picked by your local guide, that show every side of KyotoView on Klook -
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Maiko and a Samurai Makeover Experience for CoupleChange into a beautiful Maiko and a cool SamuraView on Klook -
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World Heritage Shirakawago and Takayama Private Tour from NagoyaLearn about the history of Japanese traditional buildings at your leisure.View on Klook -
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Kyoto Premium Kimono Rental and Photoshooting by Kimono Fusengawa**Klook Exclusive Free Next Day Return! Limited Time Only!** Show this message and return your Kimono the next day for FREE for rental during Sep 15 - Dec 15, 2023. Exclusions applied to Furisode. See What to Expect for more detailsView on Klook
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