Perhaps Kyoto’s most famous (and most crowded) autumn-foliage destination, Eikan-dō (永観堂; eikando.or.jp/English/haikan_e.html) is a superb temple just a short walk south of the famous Path of Philosophy. When founded in 855, it was originally called Zenrin-ji (temple in a calm grove). The name Eikan-dō was added in the 11th century to honor the head priest Eikan, who is said to have witnessed a statue of the Amida Buddha turning its head to talk with him. The famous Mikaeri Amida Buddha statue continues to glance to the side, and can be seen in Eikan-dō’s Amida-dō (Amida Buddha Hall).
From Amida-dō, head north to the end of the curving covered garyūrō (walkway), said to resemble the undulating of a dragon. Change into the sandals provided, then climb the steep steps up the mountainside to the Tahō-tō pagoda, from where there’s a fine view across the city.
For most of November, when the autumn leaves are at their best, the admission fee increases to ¥1000, and the temple stays open at 9pm for the nighttime illumination (¥600).
