History:

is a Buddhist temple located in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City. It was founded in 853 by the Monk Enchin, and is considered one of the five major temples of the Jōdo-shū sect. In the well-known five-story pagoda, in a garden, Enchin's grave is enshrined. In the main hall enshrines Amida Nyorai Statue for which Enchin sought and was moved to this place. The Garden of the Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji is made in the style of “homonjiyu”, where hills andriverbanks and islands are expressed in earthly materials and symbolically suggest the intersection of river and land. The temple has been designated as one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. It is also famous as the filming location of many famous movies such as Takashi Miike's "Attack on The Joker". It is one of the best temple in Japan which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Location: The Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji is located in the Ukyō-ku ward of Kyoto, in the former imperial capital of Japan. 2. Founding: Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji was founded in 853 by the priest Enchin. 3. Denomination: Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji is the head temple of the Seizan branch of Jōdo-shū, a Pure Land school of Buddhism in Japan. 4. Designation: Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji is one of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 5. Features: The temple complex consists of seventeen buildings, including a main hall, a three-story pagoda, and a great bell, among other features. 6. Other: The temple is particularly renowned for its colorful autumn foliage, and is the site of a popular maple viewing festival each fall. Here are some facts about the Japan temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Japan

Worship Method:

The worship method of Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji, located in Kyoto, Japan, is both unique and steeped in tradition. As a Head temple of the Seizan branch of Jōdo-shū, or Pure Land Buddhism, its daily worship services are influenced by both the unique traditions of the Seizan school and the broader teachings on devotion to Pure Land. The main focus of the worship services at Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji are rooted in the Amida Buddha. The daily services include chanting the name of Amida silently and loudly, reciting the “Nembutsu” sutra, and offering incense and candles to the images of Amida. Visitors are also encouraged to chant “Homage to Amitabha Buddha,” a short song expressing gratitude and veneration to Amida. In addition to the daily rituals performed in the main temple, various rituals are also held throughout the year at different shrines around the grounds of the temple. These include rituals which honor specific Buddhas or Bodhisattvas, special seasonal rituals for the new year and summer holidays, and even special rituals that bring believers closer to the Buddha. Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji also has special days to honor specific major Buddhist figures, such as the founders of Pure Land Buddhism. Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji also holds special memorial services. These services are held to honor those who have passed away and provide comfort to their families. On these occasions, a special book is also offered which contains general prayer services and other religious passages written by the temple’s monks. Finally, Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji emphasizes the importance of repentance for those wishing to attain peace in their life after death. Repentance is a spiritual practice in which one confesses and expresses regret for their misdeeds and bad karma in order to be reborn into the Pure Land. As part of this practice, the monks of the temple preach the importance of transcending worldly desires and cultivating a compassionate heart. Through worshiping at Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji, visitors can gain insight into the religious customs that pervade Japanese Buddhism and the teachings of the Pure Land. All visitors, regardless of religious affiliation, are welcome to join the worship services and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the temple grounds. Visitors are also often welcomed to take home a piece of the temple’s atmosphere by purchasing ano-muku, or scented cloth, which is made from the robes of the temple’s monks. This ano-muku is said to provide protection and additional blessings for those who take it home. This most visited temple in Japan

Opening Timing:

: Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji is open from 8:45 am to 4:30 pm daily, except for New Year's holidays (Dec 29- Jan 3). top temples in Japan

How to reach:

Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji is located in Kyoto, Japan. The best way to reach the temple is by train. The closest stations are Kamikyoku Station (Keifuku Railways), Demachiyanagi Station (Keihan Railways), and Eizan Railway Demachiyanagi Station. All three stations are within a 10-minute walk of the temple. Kamikyoku Station and Demachiyanagi Station are connected to Eizan Railway Demachiyanagi Station, so if you are traveling from Tokyo you may take the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen to Kyoto Station, then transfer to the Eizan Railway and get off at Eizan Railway Demachiyanagi Station. Alternatively, taxi/bus is available as well. Taking a taxi from Kyoto Station is approximately 11 minutes and costs around 600 - 1000 Yen; otherwise, you can take a bus (route #206 or #8) from Kyoto Station and get off at the “Eikan Dō Zenrin Ji Mae” bus stop. The journey is approximately 26 minutes. Finally, how to reach from Kansai Airport you may take the JR Line to Kyoto Station, then transfer to the Eizan Railway and get off at Eizan Railway Demachiyanagi Station. The journey is approximately 55 minutes. Note: Respectful dress and behavior is expected when visiting Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji. famous temples in Japan