Eikan-do Temple — Autumn Foliage Night Illumination

Eikan-do Temple (永観堂), officially Zenrin-ji, is renowned for its autumn night illuminations (mid-November) when 3,000 maple trees are lit against the darkness, their reflections shimmering in temple ponds. The temple complex sprawls across a hillside with multi-level gardens, a two-story pagoda, and covered walkways connecting buildings at different elevations.

The temple's most famous feature is the 'Looking Back Amida' statue — a Buddha figure with head turned over its shoulder, the only Buddha statue in Japan with this pose. Legend says Amida turned to encourage the monk Eikan who was lagging behind during walking meditation.