5 Unforgettable Autumn Leaf Spots in Kyoto!
Eikando Temple
With around 3,000 maple trees growing in its grounds, it is no surprise that Eikando Temple is also known as Eikando Temple of Momiji (autumn leaves).
The Hojo pond is a particularly attractive spot in the autumn: here you can see stunning scenery of the fiery leaves reflected on the pond.
The temple holds illumination events where the trees and leaves are lit up at night, which offer stunning scenery with a slightly different atmosphere. (Make sure to check when illuminations take place before you visit.)
The temple is a 3-minute walk from Nanzenji Eikando-michi (Nanzenji Temple / Eikando Temple) bus stop on the Kyoto City Bus, or a 15-minute walk from Keage Station on the Kyoto Subway Tozai Line.
Bishamondo Temple
Bishamondo Temple is best to visit after the peak of the autumn leaf season once the leaves have fallen, leaving the path up to the temple covered in a blazing red and orange carpet.
You can see beautiful carpets of fallen leaves throughout the rest of the temple grounds too.
The temple is about a 20-minute walk from JR Yamashina Station on the JR Tokaido Line or Yamashina Station on the Kyoto Subway Tozai Line.
Tofukuji Temple
The fantastic world created by the around 2,000 maple trees of several varieties at Tofukuji Temple is a real highlight of the autumn leaf season.
The view from the wooden Tsutenkyo Bridge is particularly impressive: if you stand on the platform sticking out midway along the bridge, it feels like you could be standing on top of a multicolored sea of blazing leaves.
The temple is a 10-minute walk from Tofukuji Station on the JR Nara Line, or an 8-minute walk from Tobakaido Station on the Keihan Railway Main Line.
Daigoji Temple
Daigoji Temple is a large temple complex with over six square kilometers of grounds and a five storied pagoda that is thought to be Kyoto's oldest wooden building.
Visit the Bentendo Hall for an especially stunning view: the bright vermilion hall and bridge and surrounding vividly colored maple leaves are reflected on the pond, creating a magical sight.
The temple is a 10-minute walk from Daigoji Station on the Kyoto Subway Tozai Line.
Enkoji Temple
The highlight of this small temple is the gorgeous autumn leaves in the Garden of Ju-gyu, which can be viewed from the study. Take the opportunity to sit down in the study for a moment and take in the stunning garden from bottom to top.
If you visit once the leaves have started to fall, you can also enjoy the sight of a red and orange carpet of leaves covering the garden floor.
The temple is a 10-minute walk from Ichijoji Sagarimatsucho bus stop on the Kyoto City Bus, or a 15-minute walk from Ichijoji Station on the Eizan Electric Railway.
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