Enjo-ji Temple - Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple
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Enjo-ji Temple

4.3
·616 reviews·Nara, Japan

A tranquil Buddhist temple known for its serene atmosphere, beautiful autumn colors, and peaceful pond. An escape from the crowds.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Autumn mornings

Vivid colors, sweet scents

CrowdLow
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Enjo-ji Temple - Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple

Enjo-ji Temple

Best Time

Autumn mornings

Vivid colors, sweet scents

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil Buddhist temple known for its serene atmosphere, beautiful autumn colors, and peaceful pond. An escape from the crowds.

4.3
(616 reviews)

"Beautiful calm temple with no crowds. Definitely off the beaten path but well worth the trip."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚌 Bus Schedule Savvy

Watch out for the bus schedule; waits can be 2-3 hours! Plan ahead to avoid long waits.

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby

Use Google Maps to discover other sights in the area after your temple visit.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Main Hall's Interior

Main Hall's Interior

Main Hall

Discover the fascinating interior, complete with intriguing statues. A must-see for its artistic and spiritual significance.

Serene Pond

Serene Pond

Near the Gate

A peaceful spot to linger and reflect. The pond offers a moment of calm amidst the temple's natural beauty.

Autumn Colors

Autumn Colors

Temple Grounds

Vivid autumn foliage paints the temple grounds in stunning hues. The sweet scent of flowers adds to the sensory experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Tranquility

Enjo-ji Temple offers a peaceful escape from the usual tourist hustle. Visitors rave about its quiet atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings, especially during autumn. Plan your visit to truly soak in the serenity.

Navigating to Enjo-ji

This temple is a bit off the beaten path, so understanding the bus schedule is crucial. Some travelers have noted long waits between buses, so factor this into your travel time. Google Maps is your friend for exploring nearby sights.

Best Times

When
Autumn mornings
Why
Vivid colors, sweet scents
Crowd
Low
When
Anytime
Why
Peaceful and quiet
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

my Tokyo Asakusa food crawl itinerary + all my best tips! We hit 8 spots in about 3 hours and made sure to do this on the first day of our Japan trip to get a little taste of everything! These are all affordable, cheap eats within walking distance from each other and located by the famous Senso-ji temple and Nakemisedori shopping street, both of which are worth visiting! Watch for details and wha...
@itshelenmelon
45.8K likes • 671.1K views

🚌 Bus Schedule Savvy

Watch out for the bus schedule; waits can be 2-3 hours! Plan ahead to avoid long waits. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby

Use Google Maps to discover other sights in the area after your temple visit. Reddit

SINCE EVERYONES GOING TO JAPAN RN 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️ @Tyler #tokyo #japan #japantravel #japantraveltips #tokyotravel #sensojitemple #asakusa #kimono #travel
@claraify3
38.6K likes • 390.4K views
Replying to @Em Of all my Japan recommendations, this is always my number 1 most imperative one!!!! 🙂‍↕️🍀🐱🎌✨ #gotokujitemple #luckycattemple #japantips
@samjtodd
26.3K likes • 202.1K views

🌸 Savor the Scents

Enjoy the adorable sweet smell of kinmokusei (fragrant olive) in early autumn. Reddit

🧘‍♀️ Embrace the Quiet

This temple is known for its tranquility; perfect for a peaceful retreat. Reddit

Kyoto can be overwhelming with over 1,600 temples, but the secret is knowing which ones actually matter… Save this guide for your Japan trip — future you will thank me. 👉 Would you try to see them all, or keep it to the unforgettable few? #kyoto #kyototravel #kyototemple #japantips #luxurytravel
@luxury_traveler
17.2K likes • 231.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚌 Bus Schedule Savvy

Watch out for the bus schedule; waits can be 2-3 hours! Plan ahead to avoid long waits. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby

Use Google Maps to discover other sights in the area after your temple visit. Reddit

🌸 Savor the Scents

Enjoy the adorable sweet smell of kinmokusei (fragrant olive) in early autumn. Reddit

🧘‍♀️ Embrace the Quiet

This temple is known for its tranquility; perfect for a peaceful retreat. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(616 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Enjo-ji Temple is lauded for its serene, uncrowded atmosphere and beautiful natural setting, especially during autumn. Visitors appreciate its off-the-beaten-path charm and the peaceful ambiance, though some note the infrequent bus schedules as a point of caution. It's a highly recommended spot for those seeking tranquility and a less touristy experience.

"Beautiful calm temple with no crowds. Early autumn so the colours were not in full bloom but the sweet smell of kinmokusei was adorable. Definitely off the beaten path but we’ll worth the trip."

Wheeler’s Den Kyoto Airbnb (PJ Wood)

"Anytime of year is a good time to visit Enjoji Temple. While in the area, take the time to check-out other sights. To do that, use Google Maps."

Ross-Barry Barcock

"Remote, tranquil, nice with red leaves
Watch out for bus schedule. They don't go by the hour..sometimes need to wait 2 or 3 hrs."

V. Yuen

What People Like

Beautiful calm temple
No crowds
Tranquil and peaceful

What People Dislike

Infrequent bus schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Enjo-ji Temple is located a bit off the beaten path. The most common way to reach it is by bus, but be aware that bus schedules can be infrequent, with waits sometimes stretching to 2-3 hours. It's recommended to check the bus timetable carefully and plan your journey in advance. Driving is also an option, though it can take around two hours from areas like Namba. Reddit

Yes, Enjo-ji Temple is accessible by public transport, primarily via bus. However, travelers should be prepared for potentially long waiting times between buses, so it's essential to research the schedule beforehand. Reddit

Once you're at Enjo-ji Temple, using Google Maps is highly recommended to discover other nearby sights and attractions. This will help you make the most of your visit to the area. Reddit

The old Yagyu path, which leads back to Nara, is reportedly accessible from the temple. This could be a tantalizing possibility for hikers looking for a more adventurous route. Reddit

No, Enjo-ji Temple is generally considered off the beaten path and is known for being a quiet, less crowded alternative to larger, more famous temples. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Information regarding ticket prices for Enjo-ji Temple is not widely available, suggesting it may be free to enter or have a nominal fee. It's always a good idea to check for any admission fees upon arrival. Reddit

Specific opening hours for Enjo-ji Temple are not consistently published online. Given its tranquil nature, it's likely open during daylight hours, but it's advisable to confirm locally if possible. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, many reviews suggest Enjo-ji Temple is a peaceful place with no crowds, implying it might be free to enter or have a very low admission fee. Reddit

Yes, reviews indicate that any time of year is a good time to visit Enjo-ji Temple, though autumn is particularly noted for its beautiful colors and scents. Reddit

While it's a bit of a journey to get there, the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery make it worthwhile for a dedicated visit, rather than a quick stop. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The temple grounds, especially during autumn with their vivid colors, offer excellent photo opportunities. The serene pond near the gate and the interesting interior of the main hall with its statues are also highly photogenic spots. Reddit

Absolutely. The combination of the temple architecture, the natural landscape, and the seasonal foliage makes Enjo-ji Temple a great location for landscape photography, especially during autumn. Reddit

No specific photography restrictions are mentioned for Enjo-ji Temple. However, as with any place of worship, it's respectful to be mindful of others and avoid intrusive photography, especially inside the main hall. Reddit

While the interior of the main hall with its statues is noted as something not to miss, it's advisable to check for any signage regarding photography inside. Generally, it's best to be discreet. Reddit

Morning visits are often recommended for temples to avoid crowds and capture softer light. For autumn colors, the golden hour before sunset can also provide beautiful lighting. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Enjo-ji Temple offers a peaceful environment that can be a welcome change of pace for families. While it's not a typical 'kid-centric' attraction, the natural beauty, especially the pond and the changing seasons, can be engaging for children. The quiet atmosphere encourages a more mindful experience, which can be a good lesson for younger visitors. However, parents should be aware of the infrequent bus schedules, which might test the patience of young children if long waits occur. Reddit

Consider packing snacks and drinks, as amenities might be limited due to its remote location. The main hall's interior with its statues could spark curiosity, and the open grounds provide space for children to move around respectfully. It's an opportunity for families to enjoy a serene outing and appreciate a different aspect of Japanese culture away from the crowds. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers

For solo travelers or anyone seeking a moment of quiet reflection, Enjo-ji Temple is an ideal destination. Its reputation for being uncrowded and tranquil means you can truly immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere without distractions. The temple's natural beauty, from the pond to the surrounding trees, provides a perfect backdrop for contemplation or simply enjoying a moment of solitude. Reddit

The journey itself, while requiring some planning due to bus schedules, adds to the sense of discovery. It's a place where you can wander at your own pace, admire the details of the main hall, and appreciate the serene landscape. The accessibility of the old Yagyu path also presents an option for solo hikers looking for a more active way to experience the area. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of Enjo-ji's Tranquility

Enjo-ji Temple is celebrated for its profound sense of peace and quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling tourist hubs. Visitors consistently highlight its 'off the beaten path' nature as a major draw, allowing for a more personal and reflective experience. The temple's setting, surrounded by trees and featuring a serene pond, contributes significantly to its calming ambiance. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a respite from the typical tourist trail and a chance to connect with a more serene side of Japan. Reddit

The vivid autumn colors are a particularly strong draw for visitors, transforming the temple grounds into a breathtaking spectacle. Even outside of peak autumn, the natural beauty and the sweet scent of flowers like kinmokusei in early autumn add to the sensory delight. The main hall, with its interesting interior and statues, is also a focal point, offering a glimpse into the temple's spiritual and artistic heritage. Reddit

For travelers looking to escape the crowds and experience a truly tranquil Buddhist site, Enjo-ji Temple is a highly recommended destination. Its remote location ensures a peaceful visit, making it a worthwhile journey for those who appreciate quiet contemplation and natural beauty. Reddit

Navigating to and Around Enjo-ji

Reaching Enjo-ji Temple requires some planning due to its somewhat remote location. While accessible by bus, travelers should be aware that the bus service is not frequent, with potential wait times of two to three hours between services. This necessitates careful study of the bus schedule to avoid extended waits and ensure a smooth journey. For those who prefer to drive, it's an option, though the travel time from major hubs like Namba can be around two hours. Reddit

Once you arrive, exploring the surrounding area is made easier with the use of Google Maps. This tool can help you identify and navigate to other points of interest in the vicinity, allowing you to maximize your time and discover more of what the region has to offer. Additionally, for the more adventurous, there's mention of the old Yagyu path being accessible from the temple, potentially offering a scenic hiking route back towards Nara. Reddit

It's this blend of a slightly challenging journey and the reward of a secluded, beautiful destination that makes Enjo-ji Temple a unique experience. Being prepared for the transportation logistics is key to fully enjoying the temple's peaceful atmosphere and its surroundings. Reddit

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