Enkō-ji (full name Zuikō-san Enkō-ji 瑞光山圓光寺) is a Rinzai school Zen temple located in Upper Ichijōji. Founded in 1601 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the Shōgun who unified Japan, the temple was originally located further to the South of the city. In its present location, Enkō-ji consists of four areas of interest for visitors: a walkable, modern Karesansui garden (Honryū-tei, 奔龍庭) where a dragon emerges from the rocks; a moss and bamboo garden (Jūgyū no niwa 十牛之庭) where the main buildings of the temple are located; a plateau with a little Tōshō-gū shrine dedicated to Ieyasu from where one can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Kyōto; and a little cherry blossom garden near the entrance. Enkō-ji undoubtedly is at its most beautiful during autumn season, when the moss garden turns into a symphony of autumn colors. However, with stone gardens, ponds, bamboo forests, an overlook, moss, maples, and so much more, Enkō-ji is one of these very few places that is always worth a visit, even during winter. Enkō-ji is probably my by far most-visited temple. Admission: year-round, very crowded during autumn season. Nearby places of interest: Shisen-dō, Konpuku-ji, Nobotoke-an, Manshu-in