Ancient Capital Maple Rhythm! From the beginning to the end of the journey, start the Kansai's beautiful red leaves!

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🤗 Treasure Basket Institution

Address: 9-1 Minami-Nanchuin-cho, Saga Shakudo Monzen, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

The Imaizumi Temple was originally built by Imaemonji during the Heian Period (794-1192) to protect the nation and to stabilize the body. Imaemonji was a temple built to protect the nation and to stabilize the body of the jade, and was called Zenji-ji Temple at that time. It was called Zenji-ji until the Muromachi Shogunate era, when Ashikaga Yoshihiko, the second shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate, passed away in 1367, and Zenji-ji was renamed Bodhi-ji.

Later, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the eighth shogun, changed the name of the temple to the name of Ashikaga Yoshiharu's institution, Hobakuin. The temple is famous for the head burial mound of Nanoki Masayuki, a military general of the Southern Dynasty, which is adjacent to the grave of Ashikaga Yoshimasa. The garden, which is in the style of a hikari-style garden, and the red maples that fill the garden in late fall are a sight to behold.

🤗 Hozen-in Temple

Address: 36 Mangnomaba-cho, Saga Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

Hoken-in is one of the sub-temples of Tenryu-ji Temple (a World Heritage Site), which dates back to 1461 and was founded by Yoriyuki Hosokawa, a famous guardian daimyo of the Northern and Southern Dynasties, as a side temple of Arashiyama-Tenryu-ji Temple. The garden of Hozen-in Temple is so beautiful that it has been used as a setting for many historical dramas and period dramas in Japan.

Hoken-in's “Lion's Roar Garden” is the best place to see the red leaves. It is a garden designed by Zenji Saeken Choryo, a monk who visited China twice in the Muromachi period, and it has a beautiful view of Arashiyama. The name “Lion's Roar” is derived from the Buddha's teachings that walking in the garden and hearing the sounds of birdsong and wind will bring great relief to your heart.

In the fall, the garden is decorated with red foliage, and the foliage at Hozen-in is one of the best in Kyoto. Early in the morning, you can walk up the leafy steps, which have not yet been cleaned by the monks, and the view is perfect. Whether you are alone or with a companion, in such a quiet and beautiful scenery, back to nature, let yourself go, without words, this is the most amazing and beautiful time of the trip.

🤗 Toki Shikkoji Temple

Address: 3 Kokura-cho, Saga Kokurazan, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

The name of the temple is derived from the Buddhist term “Toki no Kouji,” which means “the ideal land in Buddhism,” and is a word that is associated with the beautiful scenery of the temple. The temple was founded in 1595 by Nichiren priest Nichiren Shonin, and is home to the Tabata Pagoda, a nationally important cultural property. Passing through the thatched gate of the Rengo Gate, you can see a world of red leaves and mosses, a breathtaking space where nature and history blend together.

Mount Kokura in Kyoto has been famous for its red leaves since ancient times. It is said that Emperor Saga ordered the Yoshino cherry blossoms to be transplanted to Arashiyama, making Arashiyama a famous place for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto, while Kokurazan is a paradise for red leaves and deer. The beautiful autumn scenery described in “Kokura Hyakunin-no-Itsuki” by Fujiwara Shinga, a waka singer at the end of the Heian Period (794-1185), originated from Mount Kokura. When the temple was built in 1596, the site was chosen as the place where the waka was depicted.

There are more than 200 maple trees at the temple, which attracts many visitors in the fall. When you walk along the stone steps covered with maple-red leaves, you can see the Doppel Pagoda of the temple standing amidst the red leaves, which has a Zen-like atmosphere.

🤗 Komyoji Temple

Address: 26-1, Awasei Nishijonouchi, Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Komyoji Temple is one of the three mountains of Nishiyama and the head temple of the Nishiyama Pure Land Sect. It is also known as the “Temple of the Red Leaves” because it is famous for its autumn foliage.

Gwangmyeongsa Temple was founded in 1198, and there are many buildings throughout the temple. Entering through the main gate and walking up the Omotesando Road, you can pass by Kannon Hall, Amidabe Hall, Okyodo Hall, and Sakya Hall. Each of them has a story to tell, so if you are interested, you can learn more about them.

The trees in the temple are also very historical, and it is said that there are hundreds of trees that are more than 100 years old. Walking in such an environment, you will feel extra calm physically and mentally, and one of the highlights of the “Red Leaf Sensory Path” in fall is that the trees on both sides of the path are already in a deep red color, and your feet are covered with red fallen leaves, and in front of you, the Yakushoin Gate is hidden, so you may realize a few things. When you see this scene, you may realize the deep meaning of Zen!

🤗 Genkoan

Address: 47, Kita-Takafuji, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

Genkoan was built in 1346 as a branch temple of Daitokuji Temple of the Rinzai Sect, but in 1694 it was converted into a Buddhist temple of the Caodong Sect, and the current main hall was built at that time. The main hall was built at that time. Originally, Wonkwangan was the hermitage of “Cheolwong Yihyeong” of Dadeoksa Temple of Rinzai Sect, and it was converted into a Buddhist temple of Caodong Sect by Zen Master Dobai of Manjisan Mountain in 1694.

Stepping into the beautiful door of the building, the giant maple in front of you shines brightly under the autumn sun, and welcomes you warmly. When you come to the main hall, the left and right halls are connected to a garden of dry landscapes with a view of the mountain behind, and the maple leaves are all over the garden, so you can sit at the side of the rim to watch the maple leaves as you wish, or sit on a tatami mat and watch the maple leaves through the window panes.

🤗 Kamo Bere Shrine

Address: 339 Kamigamo-Honoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

Kamo Bere Shrine is one of the World Heritage Sites registered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and is part of the cultural heritage of the ancient capital of Kyoto. Its Hashiden (dance hall) was selected as one of the 100 most famous bridges in Japan. Located in the upper reaches of the Kamogawa River, which flows through the center of Kyoto, it is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto.

Legend has it that in the ancient mythological era, Hidemine Kami Mountain descended to the north-northwest part of the shrine and built the shrine in 678. The total area of the shrine, including the mountain behind the shrine precincts, is 664,000 square meters, and 34 of the shrine halls are national cultural assets.

This shrine has also become the stage for Kyoto's festivals as various rituals and festivals such as the Aoi Matsuri, one of the three major festivals of Kyoto, are performed.

🤗 Zenkudo

Address: 82 Jodoji Zenritsu-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

Zenritsu-do is a temple of the Tendai sect located in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi. The name of the mountain is “Ringing Mountain”. The main worshiper is Amida Nyorai, and Kekki is the preceptor.

Zenkodo is famous for its red leaves and is one of Kyoto's most famous places for maple viewing, but it is much more low-key than the others. Despite its convenient location in the city, it is not particularly crowded with tourists. The temple is located along the riverside path and crosses the bridge into the mountain, and the red leaves are covered in a variety of colors as you walk up the steps along the Tosendo Road.

Temple building is very vintage, Guanyin Hall, the main hall, the main hall in front of the side of the triple tower, the whole temple is submerged in layers of cascading Xia like fire. Dharma Hall in front of the gate to the Senate Road on both sides of the red leaves gathered into a red tunnel. Out of the gate, looking back, the entrance to the red maple scarlet.

🤗 Rurikouin

Address: 55 Kamitakano Higashiyama, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

The original site of Rurikouin was a villa built by Gentaro Tanaka, a prominent Kyoto family member and political figure, which was named “Kizurutei” by Mitsumi Sanjo, the Minister of the Imperial Government in the Meiji period. During the Taisho period and the early Showa period, the villa underwent a major renovation and was entrusted to renowned Japanese architect Gaiji Nakamura and landscape architect Saeno Toemon, and was officially converted into a temple in 2005 under the name of Mokusuyama Koumyouji Rurikouin Temple, which is one of the temples in the Higashi-Honganji school of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. The name “Rurikouin” is derived from the greenness of the moss in the garden and the colorful light in the courtyard.

🤗 Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Address: Bakuromachi, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is a shrine located in Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto. The main deity is Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning.

The history of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine dates back to 947 A.D. In ancient times, the shrine used to pray for the peace of the country, but nowadays, it is more of a place where students wishing to win the examination for the gold medal gather and pray for their own blessing for taking the important exams in their lives. Sugawara Michizane, who is enshrined at the shrine, is known as the god of learning in Japan and used to be the Minister of the Right Hand of the Emperor during his lifetime, which is equivalent to being under the authority of one person and above the authority of ten thousand people. Although he died unjustly on trumped-up charges, it is said that a series of inexplicable natural disasters in Kyoto have disappeared since he was enshrined, so many people come here to get rid of bad luck in addition to their studies.

Although many people come here to pay their respects throughout the year, the beauty of the place should not be overlooked. Red leaves and plum blossoms are the specialty of this place. With about 350 maple trees plus 1,500 plum blossom trees, it is a must-see spot to hit from fall to winter.

🤗 Iwakura Mitsumoto Monument

Address: 121 Iwakura Kamikura-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

Mitsusagiin Temple, the predecessor of the Jikado school of the Tendai sect, has been the head temple for more than 800 years. The main statue is a wooden statue of Fudo Myojin made in the Kamakura period, and it is also known as the Iwakura Monzo. It is a prestigious monastic temple founded in 1229 by the monk Kiyohide, and has continued to flourish under the auspices of the Imperial family. The abbot of the temple has been a member of the royal family since ancient times, and in Japan, such a temple is called a menkyo temple, which is why it is also known as “Jizosoin Menkyo” (じっそういんもんせき) in folklore.

Every year in summer, autumn and winter, when you look out from the guest hall of Mitsusoin, “Taki-ma”, you can see the scenery outside reflected on the smooth black wooden floor of the temple. The building and the view have an indescribably elegant atmosphere that is unforgettable. The famous Japanese saying, “Green floor, red leaf floor, snowflake floor” (床みどり、床もみじ、雪化床) refers to the three seasons of Mitsusagiin Temple.

🤗 Saikyoji Temple

Address: 5-13-1 Sakamoto, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture

Saikyoji Temple is a temple located in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, and is the head temple of the Tendai Shinsei sect. The mountain is called “Kokusan”. The temple's main deity is Amida Nyorai, and legend has it that the founder was Prince Seitoku.

There are four gardens in Saikyoji Temple, located on the south side of the monks' quarters, on the west side of the guest hall, on the south side of the study hall, and on the north side of the study hall, and they are worth seeing for their different interests.

Inside, there is a garden with a pond that mimics the shape of Lake Biwa, creating a unique landscape that links Lake Biwa with prayers and shows visitors how to pray.

🤗 Nichiyoshi Taisha

Address: 5-1-1 Sakamoto, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture

Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, located in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, is the head shrine of more than 3,800 “Sanno deities” from all over Japan, and has been selected as a Japanese heritage site. Built at the foot of Mt. Hachioji (Mt. Ushio, 378 meters) in the Hiei group of mountains, it is the guardian deity of Sakamoto, the town in front of Enryaku-ji Temple.

Nikkichi Taisha Shrine, a national treasure and important cultural property of Japan, is particularly beautiful in autumn, with its magnificent shrine surrounded by red foliage.

🤗 Daigoji Temple

Address: 22 Daigo Higashi-Oji-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

Daigoji Temple is the head temple of the Daigo sect of the Shingon Buddhism in Japan, and is said to have been founded in 874 A.D. by Shobo, a grandson of Kukai, the founder of the Shingon sect in Japan. The temple was designated a World Heritage Site in 1994 as a “Cultural Property of the Ancient Capital of Kyoto,” and many of its buildings, such as the Kondo (Golden Hall) and the Five-storied Pagoda, have been designated as “National Treasures” of Japan. The temple has a collection of more than 150,000 Japanese national treasures and important cultural properties of Japan, and every exhibition is a cultural feast.

Daigoji Temple also has a history with cherry blossoms. Toyotomi Hideyoshi called for a big event to enjoy cherry blossoms here, and more than 1,300 people, not only royals and nobles, but also women from various families, attended in full costume and enjoyed tea, which was also famous at that time. However, in the fall, Daigoji is no less famous for its red leaves, and it is worthwhile to go there to experience the beauty of the place chosen by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, such as the Samen-do Road near the gate of Inoue Gate, and the area around Kami-Daigo and Kannondo.

🤗 Koshoji Temple

Address: 27-1 Ujiyamada, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture

Koshoji Temple was founded by Dogen, the founder of the Caodong Sect, and was the first Zen temple in Japan.

Dogen, a monk of the Kamakura period (1185-1333), founded Koshoji Temple in Fushimi Fukakusa, and in the first year of the Keian period (1648), Shozo Nagai, the lord of Yodo Castle, rebuilt Koshoji Temple utilizing the ruins of Fushimi Castle.

You can enjoy the serene and calm atmosphere of the temple's Shichido Garan, and it is also worth seeing the Kotsuzaka Sendero, where the autumn leaves are in full bloom, the Ryugu-zukuri Yamamon Gate, the “Handshake Kannon,” which is related to the Tale of Genji, the Inari Corridor, and the Blood Patio.

🤗 Nara Park

Address: 1099 Omiya-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture

Nara Park, located on the east side of Nara City Street, is 4 kilometers long from east to west and 2 kilometers wide from north to south, and covers a vast area where most of Nara's attractions such as Mt. Wakakusa, Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and the National Museum are located. It became a prefectural park in the 21st year of the Meiji era (1888) and was one of the pioneers of modern parks in Japan. In 1922, it was designated as a national scenic spot of Japan.

The deer that roam the park in herds are protected by the legend of the White Deer, which has been passed down in Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and have been designated as a national nature conservation animal. The best time to enjoy this beautiful nature is in April and May when the green Wakakusa Mountains and deer fur are beautiful, or in autumn when the mountains are full of red leaves for a trip or graduation trip. However, during the off-season, you can take a leisurely stroll here. You can enjoy the scenery here at any time of the year.