Eikandō Temple (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Eikandō Temple?
What makes it 62% Baby-Friendly: Babies enter free and restrooms have changing beds, but no nursing room, limited stroller access and numerous wooden steps make a visit possible yet somewhat inconvenient.
Positives:
- Accessible Routes: Use the barrier-free ramp, elevator and wheelchair lift at the back entrance to avoid steps.
- Baby Facilities: All restrooms have diaper-changing beds and secure baby seats free of charge.
Challenges:
- Stroller Access Limits: Wooden corridors and pagoda steps are not stroller-friendly; carry your baby in a sling if needed.
- No On-site Rental: No stroller or nursing-room rentals; plan to bring your own gear or use nearby facilities.
What is Eikandō Temple?
- Zenrin-ji Temple (Eikandō) in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, founded in 853 as a Shingon-sect meditation hall
- Home to the Mikaeri-Amida statue, a rare Kamakura-period Buddha turning to gaze over its shoulder and designated a national treasure
- Encompassing a Tahōtō pagoda, classical wooden corridors and Hojo pond gardens, it preserves ancient portraits, sutras and other nationally designated cultural properties
What is so special about Eikandō Temple for with baby?
- Barrier-free garden paths accessible by stroller.
- Rare Mikaeri-Amida Buddha statue in Amida Hall.
- Diaper-changing beds and baby seats in all restrooms.
- Quiet pond area to spot koi fish with your baby.
- Peak fall foliage mid-November with optional evening illumination.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time to see the main halls, stroll the garden and use baby facilities without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Eikandō Temple
Hojo Pond Garden Stroll:
Walk the flat, stroller-friendly path around the clear pond framed by maples and wooden bridges.
Tip: Use the barrier-free back entrance and stroller; avoid the pagoda steps area.
View the Mikaeri-Amida Buddha:
Admire the rare Kamakura-period Buddha statue that looks over its shoulder in Amida Hall.
Tip: Wear a baby carrier to enter narrow corridors and go early to avoid crowds.
Watch Koi Fish at the Main Pond:
Spot colorful koi swimming near the surface in the pond beside the entrance hall.
Tip: Bring snacks or a small toy to keep your baby engaged while you watch.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Eikandō Temple
- Early Arrival: Get there at opening (9:00 AM) to enjoy quieter paths and quick access to restrooms.
- Light Packing: Bring only essentials in a compact bag to move easily between halls and gardens.
Reviews of Eikandō Temple
Ray G
Here is a very representative temple in Kyoto. Its architectural style is unique, but unfortunately, there are many visitors, making it difficult to quietly and thoroughly appreciate every detail. Many people are taking photos, and some even climb over the barriers to strike strange poses for the photographers, which disrupts the tranquility that the temple should have. I hope the temple can imple...
Nathan Powers
Big beautiful temple, slightly off the beaten path. Take your time here, and plan for plenty of stairs as it's built on a mountain side. Please follow the rules and be polite. This is a place of worship. No pictures or videos inside buildings. There is plenty of gorgeous places to record. Also if you go to the pagoda be prepped for a ton of stairs. And after the interior section, be sure to stro...
Matt Stichnoth
An amazing place and find! We were walking to another recommended temple in the area when we came across this beautiful place. We spent so much time here we didn't end up getting to our destination 😂. Wonderfully restored and kept buildings and garden
Shiela Jaye Sison
When they say Eikando is one of the best spots for autumn viewing, they were not kidding! IT IS ABSOLUTELY GOREGEOUS!! Came here 1st week of December. Maple trees are so dense, you'll see a glimpse from the gates. Once you enter, you'll be overwhelmed by how beautiful and colorful and magical it is to be under the canopy of momiji 😍 I little more expensive at ¥1,000, but I cherish the experience...
Melinda
A beautiful Buddhist temple located at the end of the Philosopher’s Path that prides themselves and being known for their fall foliage. A MUST visit if you’re in Kyoto during the maple leaves changing colors. We saw a rainbow of colors from greens to yellows to oranges to reds. Absolutely incredible. Sometimes it feels as though you are walking through tree tunnels as a canopy of rainbow maple le...
When is the best time to visit Eikandō Temple (Kyoto, Japan)?
Mid-November brings peak fall colors. Arrive before 10:00 AM for quieter viewing. In early November–December evenings, see illuminated leaves with a separate ticket.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission for two adults | JPY 1,200 |
| Autumn illumination ticket (two adults) | JPY 1,400 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 1,200 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Eikandō Temple
Address: 48 Eikandōchō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8445, Japan
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About Eikandō Temple
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 75-761-000710 BEST nearby Activities
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