Massimo Nalli Films (August 5, 2023) – A tour of Eikan-dō (永観堂, “View of Eternity Hall” or “Hall of Yōkan) or “Zenrin-ji” (禅林寺, “Temple of Forest of Zen”) is the head temple for the Seizan branch of Japan’s Jōdo-shū (Pure Land) Buddhist sect.

The temple compound is nestled in Kyoto’s Eastern Mountain (Higashiyama), and its buildings, most of them connected by covered walkways and staircases, are scattered among a range of heights.

– Main gate – the Kōrai-mon (高麗門) is named after the ancient Korean kingdom of Goguryeo (Kōrai in Japanese). The current structure dates from the late Edo period (mid-19th century).

– Inner gate – the Yakui-mon (薬医門), along with the Kōrai-mon, derive from the fortress gates that would have surrounded the aristocratic mansion before it became a temple. Their placement and architecture are said to still reflect these origins today. The current structure dates to 1744.