Entering the Pure Land

“In my heart is the thought, Amida Buddha- save me! And on my lips is its utterance.”
-Shoko, 12 c. monk

Zenrin-ji, or more commonly referred to as Eikan-do, is nestled in Kyoto’s Higashiyama District, just south of the Philosopher’s Path. It’s buildings, many of which are connected by covered staircases and walkways are filled with treasures- some dating back over one thousand years. The most prized artwork- the only statue of the Buddha looking over it’s shoulder in the world. It’s founding monk Eikan was a precocious monk who by the age of fourteen was already working as an examiner, testing other young monks in the knowledge of the sutras. He eventually went on the become the forefather of the school of Pure Land Buddhism in Japan.

MEETING POINT: Eikan-do
SITES VISITED: Eikan-do, Shirakawa-in, Heian Jingu, Yamazaki Artbooks
LENGTH: 3.5 hours
FEES / RESERVE