Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan.
Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan.

 

Eikan-do , which literally means “Eikan Hall”, was named after a priest in the 11th century named Eikan. This temple is famous for having the most unique statue of Amida Buddha, which according to legend,  turned its head to talk to Eikan while he was walking through the temple.

TEMPLE BUILDINGS and WOODEN CORRIDORS

One striking feature of Eikan-do temple is the wooden corridors that connects its buildings. It is such a comfort to tourists in summer! One of the buildings is the Shakado Hall or the Hall of the Historical Buddha that has a beautiful small rock garden that I truly enjoyed. Hubby even gave me my own quiet moment while I sipped a small cup of tea and breathed in the beauty of the oasis.

The wooden corridors at Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan.
The wooden corridors at Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan.
Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan and its wooden corridors that connect the temples buildings.
Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan and its wooden corridors that connect the temples buildings.
Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan and its wooden corridors that connect the temples buildings.
Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan and its wooden corridors that connect the temples buildings.
The beautiful small rock garden at Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan.
The beautiful small rock garden at Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan.
The beautiful small rock garden at Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan.
The beautiful small rock garden at Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan.
The Sui-kin-kutsu at Eikando in Kyoto, Japan where on pours water gently and has to concentrate one's attention on what the water drop makes. One can catch the low sound of drips just like the beautiful sound of Koto, a traditional Japanese harp.
The Sui-kin-kutsu at Eikando in Kyoto, Japan where on pours water gently and has to concentrate one’s attention on what the water drop makes. One can catch the low sound of drips just like the beautiful sound of Koto, a traditional Japanese harp.
One of the buildings at Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan.
One of the buildings at Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan.

 

TAHOTO PAGODA

Hubby was filled with excitement to see the pagoda and we even thought that climbing the wooden corridor steps will lead us to the pagoda itself, However, we gave up considering we might be intruding some areas we are not allowed to go. While strolling along the temple grounds, we found a water fountain with a beautiful head and a mini waterfall which was truly a treat. Also, to our our surprise, the pagoda was quite hiding right behind the trees!

The Tahoto Pagoda nestled behind the trees at Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan.
The Tahoto Pagoda nestled behind the trees at Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan.
The mini waterfall at Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan.
The mini waterfall at Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan.

 

HOJO POND

My other favorite feature of Eikan-do Temple is the Hojo Pond. With its beauty and serenity, how can one not fall for this?

The Hojo Pond at Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan.
The Hojo Pond at Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan.
The Tahoto Pagoda nestled behind the trees as viewed across the Hojo Pond at Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan.
The Tahoto Pagoda nestled behind the trees as viewed across the Hojo Pond at Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan.
The Hojo Pond at Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan.
The Hojo Pond at Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan.

Among the temples we have been to in Kyoto, Eikan-do is probably the one with most names. It is also referred to as the “View of Eternity Hall”, or “Hall of Yōkan”, or “Temple of Forest of Zen”. It is also named as “Shōju-raigō-san” which translates to the “Mountain of going across to the saints” and “Muryōsu-in” which means “Temple of Immeasurable Fortune”.

Eikan-do temple is the head temple of the Seizan branch of Japan’s Jōdo-shū (Pure Land) Buddhist sect.

Check on Google Street View below for an additional information and perspective on Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji 永観堂禅林寺 in Kyoto, Japan: 

 

 

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