8 Kyoto’s Temples you may not know they are famous for autumn foliage

To enjoy red maple leaves, most people will agree to visit temple. In the survey of 2014, there are 2446 temples in Kyoto. For such quantity of temples, even for those visitors who always visit Kyoto still can't visit all of them. This time, we are going to recommend those temples with fewer tourists. If you have already visited those famous temples, you can try discovering the new one.

Taizo-In Zen Buddhist Temple

Taizo-In Temple is the biggest Zen temple among the 38 Zen Buddhist Temples and the 10 Tatchu sub-temples in Kyoto. Some of them are famous for red maple leaves, including Taizo-In Temple. The promenade garden Hyonenzu (余香苑) was built in 1965 by Kinsaku Nakane. People can enjoy matcha and red maple leaves at Daikyuan. The ink paint“Hanyugeji”by artist from Muromachi period is a famous collection in Taizo-In Temple. Pay attention to the shape of the window of Daikyuan and the pond of the garden, they are both in gourd shape. There is also a famous painting by Kano Motonobu named “Motonobu’s garden”near the main hall.

Address

5 Hanazonomyoshinjicho Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi

Red maple leaves period: Late November to Early December

Hokongo-In Temple

Long time ago, here is the countryseat of Kiyohara no Natsuno (a nobleman of Heian period). Since there are full of flowers, it is also named as“Flower Garden”. Emperor Sutoku and the mother of Emperor Go-Shirakawa, Fujiwara no Tamako (1101-45), were lived at here. She split up Hokongo-In Temple from Ninna Temple. In 1970, the promenade garden was founded and recovered into artificial waterfall (青女の滝). This waterfall was the biggest during Heian period, with the height of 5 meters. It is also named“Louis Temple”, which is a famous spot for enjoying the red leaves.

Address:

49 HanazonoōginochōUkyō-ku, Kyōto-shi

Red maple leaves period: Late November to Early December

Higashi Honganji Temple- Shosei-en Garden

It is located at the east side of Higashi Honganji Temple and built by Ishikawa Jozan. You can admire the view of reflection of red leaves on the pond at Shinsetsu Bridge The river(丹楓渓) near the covered bridge (回棹廊) is also a good location to appreciate the red leaves.

Address:

Karasuma Shichi-jo Agaru, Shimogyo-ku

Red maple leaves period: Mid November to Early December

Chishaku-in Temple

There are many places in Chishaku-in Temple with beautiful red leaves, such as pilgrimage's path or around the clock tower. Those statues of Monk“Genyu”surrounded by sharp autumn leaves will impress you. The Shounji Temple built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi was rebuilt as the famous garden for admiring red leaves.　

Address:

964 HigashikawarachoHigashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi

Red maple leaves period: Late November to Early December

Toji-in Temple

This temple was built by education master Muso Kokushi (national Zen teacher) and belong to Linji school. Apart from the red leaves along the pilgrimage's path, there are also about 50 maple trees around the“Heart shape pond”at the east of the garden. The borrowed scenery of west garden is from the view of Kinugasa mountain. Visitors can enjoy the matcha with the beautiful Furai pond scenery.

Address:

63 Tojiin KitamachiKita-ku, Kyoto-shi

Red maple leaves period: Mid November to Early December

Kennin-ji Temple

This is the oldest temple in Kyoto and located at Gion, the south side of Hanamikoji Dori. People can enjoy the red maple leaves at anywhere inside the temple. There are the promenade gardens including “Daioen Garden”and“Seaside Garden”decorated by white sands, mosses and giant rocks. From the room of master to the main hall, there are bell shape windows in the corridor. It is a marvelous experience seeing the red maple leaves through these windows.

Address:

KomatsuchoHigashiyama Ward

Red maple leaves period: Late November to Early December

Hokyoji-monzeki Temple

It is named“Doll Temple”held by the royal family or nobles daughters. There are many maple trees planted by the young princess or the palace maid, including the red leaves in the Tsurukame garden and the Doll mound. The screen painting with the theme of grapes and deers by Kawataka Kawari in the main hall is famous for the modern women. Don't miss it !

Address:

Teruyuki Teruyuki Noritori Horikawa Higashi Iri Yakarincho 547

Red maple leaves period: ate November

Koshohorin-ji Temple

The pilgrimage's path“Kotosaka”is about 200 meters. It is from Uji River to the white door of this Chinese style temple Koshohorin-ji. It is also well-known for the red maple leaves scenery. Back to the courtyard surrounded by corridors, visitor can see the hall rebuilt by the materials of Fushimi Castle.

Address:

Yamada-27-1 UjiUji-shi

Red maple leaves period: Late November to Early December

Epilogue You can know more about the brilliant history of Kyoto after visiting those temples. Read this article before you visit Kyoto next time!