Enkoji Temple

Enkoji Temple (圓光寺) is a Zen Buddhist temple located in Ichijoji, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan. It was founded in 1601 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, who relocated remnants of Fushimi Castle to create the temple. Enkoji is renowned for its beautiful gardens, traditional architecture, and cultural significance.

The temple’s gardens are particularly famous and include three distinct types: a dry landscape garden called “Horyu-tei” (奔龍庭), a pond garden named “Jigyū-no-niwa” (十牛之庭), and a moss garden known as “Mirei Shigemori Garden” (重森三玲庭園). These gardens are considered masterpieces of Japanese garden design and have been designated as national scenic sites.

The temple’s main hall, called Dai-hojo (大方丈), was built in the 17th century and boasts exquisite artwork and decorations, such as painted sliding doors (fusuma) and a ceiling painting of a dragon.

Enkoji Temple is open to the public and offers visitors a serene and contemplative space to appreciate the beauty of Zen aesthetics and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Japan.

Getting there

By Bus

• From Kyoto Station:
• Take City Bus No. 5 bound for Ginkakuji/Iwakura
• Get off at Ichijoji Sagarimatsu-cho bus stop
• Walk about 7 minutes to the temple

By Train

From Kyoto Station:

• Take JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station
• Transfer to Keihan Main Line and ride to Demachiyanagi Station (final stop)
• Take Eizan Railways to Ichijoji Station
• Walk about 15-17 minutes to the temple

Total journey: About 40 minutes, 650 yen one way

By Taxi

• About 12 minutes from Demachiyanagi Station (Keihan Line), approximately 1,500 yen
• About 15 minutes from Kitaoji Station (Karasuma Subway Line), approximately 1,800 yen

By Car

• About 20 minutes from Kyoto-Higashi Interchange on Meishin Expressway
• About 30 minutes from Kyoto-Minami Interchange on Meishin Expressway
• Free parking available for 25 cars

Details

Hours	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission	Adults: 600 yen Elementary school to high school students: 300 yen
Phone	+81 75-781-8025
Address	13 Ichijoji Kotanicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8147