Eigenji Autumn Leaves and Night Illumination Guide 2026: Sanmon Gate Viewing, Light-Up Times and Koto Sanzan Access

Top Sights at Eigenji

Eigenji’s grounds and the surrounding Koto area preserve many long-established cultural properties and foliage spots. Below are the core spots most worth lingering at in foliage season, plus side trips to the nearby Koto Sanzan and Kyorinbo.

The Kaisan Otauemomiji Maple: An Old Maple Carrying 600 Years of Zen History

The Kaisan Otauemomiji (founder-planted maple) stands in front of the Kaisando, the tomb hall of Zen master Jakushitsu. Tradition holds that Jakushitsu Genko (1290-1367), a native of Mimasaka Province and founder of Eigenji, planted it himself when the temple was built. After his death, imperial decree granted him the posthumous titles “Enno Zenji” and “Shoto Kokushi.”

The maple standing today is said to be the third generation. In late autumn the red leaves intertwine with the rustic Kaisando building, giving off a refined Zen beauty, and it is an important stop for understanding Eigenji’s history.

The Red Leaf Tunnel: A Stunning View on the Approach

Climbing the main approach, the Aizu River runs on your right, and carved statues of the sixteen arhats line the rock wall on your left. Maples form a spectacular red-leaf tunnel overhead, a paradise for photographers and one of Eigenji’s most iconic foliage scenes.

Walk the approach slowly. Enjoy the interwoven red leaves overhead and the sound of the Aizu River. Notice how the tunnel’s mood changes between daytime and evening light. This is also the view most often shared on social media during Eigenji’s foliage season.

Special Sanmon Gate Viewing: A Limited-Time Cultural Property Climb

During foliage season, the second floor of the Sanmon gate (a cultural property) opens for viewing. It is normally closed to the public. Climb up for a view over the whole valley and the temple dyed red. This precious opportunity is only available in autumn. If you miss it, you must wait another year.

From the top of the Sanmon, the view opens wide. You can take in the red leaf tunnel, the Kaisando and the layers of surrounding mountains all at once. Leave time for this spot rather than rushing through it. It is also an excellent vantage point for photographers shooting overhead panoramas.

Peak Foliage at Eigenji and the Koto Sanzan: When Is the Best Time to Go?

Peak foliage at Eigenji generally falls from early November to early December. In 2025, the days around November 23 and 24 were the most crowded. The 2025 autumn leaves night illumination and Special Sanmon Gate Viewing ran from November 14 to 29, opening at 17:00. Peak foliage at Saimyoji, Kongorinji and Hyakusaiji is roughly mid-November to early December. For the actual 2026 dates, please confirm with Eigenji (0748-27-0016) before you go.

Kaisando: Home of a Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property Seated Statue

The clay statue of the priest Jakushitsu, enshrined in this hall, is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. It was made in 1379 (Koryaku 1) at the ceremony for the 13th anniversary of Jakushitsu’s death. It is one of the few medieval statues with a clearly documented date, which makes it extremely valuable. The hall also holds a silk-painted set of Jizo and the Ten Kings (11 scrolls) and Jakushitsu’s ink-written final admonitions on paper, both Important Cultural Properties.

For travelers who love Buddhist art and history, the Kaisando is the deepest cultural stop in Eigenji’s grounds. Pair it with the Special Sanmon Gate Viewing to feel the temple’s more than 600-year lineage and the refined craftsmanship of Buddhist art.

Mandokoro Tea: A “Legendary Fine Tea” Passed Down for 600 Years

In the Muromachi period, Etsukei Shukaku, the fifth abbot of Eigenji, found that local water and soil suited tea growing and encouraged villagers to plant it. Mandokoro tea once rivaled Uji tea, as the tea-picking song “Uji is tea country, and tea is Mandokoro” tells. It was offered to the imperial court and the Hikone domain and is now counted among the “Three Great Omi Teas.”

Eigenji also offers zazen meditation and shojin ryori, Buddhist vegetarian cuisine with no meat or fish. In the deep mountain Oku-Eigenji district, you can see how Mandokoro tea is made and enjoy the tea fields. This “legendary fine tea” is grown without pesticides and has been handed down for more than 600 years. It pairs well with a foliage trip to experience Zen spirit and local culture.

Kyorinbo: The “Temple of Stones” Designed by Kobori Enshu

Kyorinbo in Azuchi-cho, Omi-Hachiman City, is nicknamed the “Temple of Stones” and linked to legends of Prince Shotoku. Garden designer Kobori Enshu designed its garden, which holds about 300 maples whose red leaves reflect beautifully in the pond. It opens only in spring and autumn each year. Check the temple’s announcements for viewing hours and fees.

In 2025 the night illumination ran from November 15 to December 7, 17:30 to 19:00 (last entry 18:30). Please check the temple’s announcements for the 2026 dates. It is a good follow-on to an Eigenji trip.

Kongorinji: A Koto Sanzan Temple Famous for “Blood-Stained Maples”

Kongorinji in Aisho-cho is one of the Koto Sanzan, known for the exceptionally intense color of its maples. Locals call its autumn scenery ‘blood-stained red leaves’ (chizome no momiji). It is one of the deepest-red foliage spots in the Koto area, and a must for photographers who love bold color.

Koto Sanzan (Kongorinji, Saimyoji, Hyakusaiji) once ranked with Eigenji among Omi’s Tendai temples. They declined after the Onin War and Oda Nobunaga’s attacks, then were rebuilt from the Edo period onward. They suit a visit before or after Eigenji, forming a deep foliage and history tour.

Saimyoji: A Koto Sanzan Temple Known for Maple-Dotted Scenery

Saimyoji is in Koura-cho and is also one of the Koto Sanzan, known for its pleasing garden scenery dotted with maples. In contrast to Kongorinji’s intense “blood-stained maples,” Saimyoji’s red leaves show a more elegant, layered autumn color. The two make an interesting comparison and suit travelers who like comparing the landscaping aesthetics of different temples in one visit.

Public transport to the Koto Sanzan is inconvenient. Combine the foliage-season shuttle bus or a car, and schedule Eigenji, Saimyoji and Kongorinji on the same day. Visiting the Koto Sanzan works best by combining the foliage-season shuttle bus or a car.