[Kyoto] Hidden Sight: Enma-do Looks Scary but It's Not That Scary

Senbon Enma-do (Injoji Temple) is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect located in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. Its official name is Komyozan Kankiin Injoji Temple. It enshrines King Enma as its principal image and is affectionately known as "Enma-do." Why not visit the powerful-sounding "Enma-do" as a change of scenery when sightseeing in Kyoto? There are many other spots nearby, such as Funaokayama, famous for Genbu, and Kenkun Shrine, where Oda Nobunaga is enshrined. 💞Reasons why we recommend it:

[Enma-do Statue] 🗽
The principal image, the statue of King Enma, has been attracting faith since the Muromachi period.

[Enma-do Kyogen] 🎭
It is one of the three major nembutsu kyogen in Kyoto, and is a traditional performing art that is dedicated on Setsubun and in early May.

[Fugenzo Sakura]🌸
A rare variety of famous cherry blossom that blooms in the temple grounds, with two leaves emerging from the white petals.

⏱Business hours
9:00-17:00

🚌Access
Get off at the Kyoto City Bus "Kenryuko-mae" bus stop, approx. 2-minute walk

🚉Nearest station
Approx. 27-minute walk from Arashiyama Railway "Kitano-Hakubaicho Station"
Approx. 29-minute walk from Kyoto City Subway "Kuramaguchi Station"

🌸Recommended season👹
Spring (mid-April) when Fugenzo Sakura is in full bloom, and early February when the Setsubun event is held are especially recommended.

🎪Events👺
・Setsubun Festival:
Held in early February, offerings of "konnyaku stew" to ward off evil and "daruma dolls" are made.

・Ono no Takamura Memorial Service:
A memorial service is held around December 22nd to commemorate Ono no Takamura, a bureaucrat from the Heian period.

*Participation in special events and events may require prior confirmation.
*Crowding is expected during Setsubun and Kyogen dedications.

📖History

Founded by Ono no Takamura in 1017 (the first year of the Kannin era), the temple was founded to enshrine King Enma. After being burned down during the Onin War, it was rebuilt in 1488.

🌳Culture
"Enma-do Kyogen," one of Kyoto's three major Nembutsu Kyogen performances, is a traditional performing art that has been continued since the Muromachi period and is designated as an "intangible folk cultural property" of the city.

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