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Five Amazing Places for Fall Colors in Kyoto
Enjoy the scenery in Japan's ancient capital city of Kyoto at these five locations chosen by the DiGJAPAN! editorial staff.
Founded in 780, Kiyomizu-dera got its name from the pure water that flows from Otowa-no-taki, the small waterfall located in the shrine compound. The water is diverted into three separate channels: one for a long life, one for love, and one for academics. It is said that drinking the water of one of these channels will bring good fortune to that area of your life. However, if you drink from all of them, you wont receive a blessing. Which would you choose?
Photo Spot
Check out the balcony that hangs off the side of the main hall. Not only does it have a mind-blowing view, but the balcony was constructed without a single nail by using a technique known as kake-zukuri.
Address
1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Peak Foliage
Late Nov. thru early Dec.
Website
http://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/lang/01.html
Take a tour of the fall colors of the Arashiyama-Sagano area on the retro Sagano Romantic Train. The journey from Saga Station to Kameoka Station is a leisurely 25 minute ride over a 4 mile course. After arriving at Kameoka Station, consider boating back down to Saga on the Hozugawa River. (Pro tip: if the weather is nice, try to get a ticket in the open air car number five.)
Photo Spot
The Hozugawa River valley is brilliant with red and orange maple leaves in the fall. Grab a window seat and get ready to take some amazing pictures and movies!
Area of Operation
Saga Torokko Station to Kameoka Torokko Station (Torokko Line)
Peak Foliage
Late Nov. thru early Dec.
Website
http://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/en/
Originally established as a temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism under the name Zenrin-ji, Eikando now operates under the Jodo sect. The temple is popular for its fall colors both during the day as well as the beautiful illuminations at night.
Photo Spot
Out of everything the temple has to offer, photographers love the Tahoto Pagoda. The mountains and leaves seem to wrap around the pagoda from behind. The next place to see is Hojo Pond with its elegantly arching bridge. If you can, definitely check this spot out during the night illumination when the leaves and bridge are reflected in the dark water of the pond.
Address
48 Eikando-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Peak Foliage
Late Nov. thru early Dec.
Website
http://www.eikando.or.jp/English/index_eng.html
It is said that the god of academics resides at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. Flocks of students come here before entrance exams to buy a special omamori or good luck charm and to pray that they get into their first choice school. Kitano Tenmangu is also a great place to enjoy some of Kyoto's best fall colors.
Photo Spot
By the end of November, the leaves of the some 250 trees that line the river running through the temple create a virtual tunnel of yellows and reds. There's also a picturesque red bridge spanning the river that makes a great focal point.
Address
Bakuro-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Peak Foliage
Late Nov. thru early Dec.
Website
http://kitanotenmangu.or.jp/top_en.php
The Zen temple Tofuku-ji was founded in 1236 by a regent named Kujo Michiie. He wanted to build a temple on par with the scale and majesty of Todai-ji (well known abroad for its Great Buddha) and Kofuku-ji Temples in Nara. Kujo named his temple after these two, borrowing the "to" (東) of Todai-ji and the "fuku" (福) of Kofuku-ji to make Tofuku-ji. While the temple itself is splended, the fall foliage of the trees on the temple grounds steals the show in the fall.
Photo Spot
If you go to Tofuku-ji, don't miss Tsutenkyo Bridge. This bridge spans a valley of vibrant maple trees. When you see it in person, you'll understand why the name of this bridge translates to "crossing heaven."
Address
15-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Peak Foliage
Late Nov. thru early Dec.
Website
http://www.tofukuji.jp/english/
What are your favorite places for fall colors in Japan? Tell us in the comments!
Article translated from Thai to English by Rachael.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple | 清水寺
Founded in 780, Kiyomizu-dera got its name from the pure water that flows from Otowa-no-taki, the small waterfall located in the shrine compound. The water is diverted into three separate channels: one for a long life, one for love, and one for academics. It is said that drinking the water of one of these channels will bring good fortune to that area of your life. However, if you drink from all of them, you wont receive a blessing. Which would you choose?
Photo Spot
Check out the balcony that hangs off the side of the main hall. Not only does it have a mind-blowing view, but the balcony was constructed without a single nail by using a technique known as kake-zukuri.
Information
Kiyomizu-dera Temple | 清水寺Address
1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Peak Foliage
Late Nov. thru early Dec.
Website
http://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/lang/01.html
Sagano Romantic Train |嵯峨野ロマンチックトレイン
Take a tour of the fall colors of the Arashiyama-Sagano area on the retro Sagano Romantic Train. The journey from Saga Station to Kameoka Station is a leisurely 25 minute ride over a 4 mile course. After arriving at Kameoka Station, consider boating back down to Saga on the Hozugawa River. (Pro tip: if the weather is nice, try to get a ticket in the open air car number five.)
Photo Spot
The Hozugawa River valley is brilliant with red and orange maple leaves in the fall. Grab a window seat and get ready to take some amazing pictures and movies!
Information
Sagano Romantic Train |嵯峨野ロマンチックトレインArea of Operation
Saga Torokko Station to Kameoka Torokko Station (Torokko Line)
Peak Foliage
Late Nov. thru early Dec.
Website
http://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/en/
Eikando | 永観堂
Originally established as a temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism under the name Zenrin-ji, Eikando now operates under the Jodo sect. The temple is popular for its fall colors both during the day as well as the beautiful illuminations at night.
Photo Spot
Out of everything the temple has to offer, photographers love the Tahoto Pagoda. The mountains and leaves seem to wrap around the pagoda from behind. The next place to see is Hojo Pond with its elegantly arching bridge. If you can, definitely check this spot out during the night illumination when the leaves and bridge are reflected in the dark water of the pond.
Information
Eikando Temple | 永観堂Address
48 Eikando-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Peak Foliage
Late Nov. thru early Dec.
Website
http://www.eikando.or.jp/English/index_eng.html
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine ｜北野天満宮
It is said that the god of academics resides at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. Flocks of students come here before entrance exams to buy a special omamori or good luck charm and to pray that they get into their first choice school. Kitano Tenmangu is also a great place to enjoy some of Kyoto's best fall colors.
Photo Spot
By the end of November, the leaves of the some 250 trees that line the river running through the temple create a virtual tunnel of yellows and reds. There's also a picturesque red bridge spanning the river that makes a great focal point.
Information
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine｜北野天満宮Address
Bakuro-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Peak Foliage
Late Nov. thru early Dec.
Website
http://kitanotenmangu.or.jp/top_en.php
Tofuku-ji Temple | 東福寺
The Zen temple Tofuku-ji was founded in 1236 by a regent named Kujo Michiie. He wanted to build a temple on par with the scale and majesty of Todai-ji (well known abroad for its Great Buddha) and Kofuku-ji Temples in Nara. Kujo named his temple after these two, borrowing the "to" (東) of Todai-ji and the "fuku" (福) of Kofuku-ji to make Tofuku-ji. While the temple itself is splended, the fall foliage of the trees on the temple grounds steals the show in the fall.
Photo Spot
If you go to Tofuku-ji, don't miss Tsutenkyo Bridge. This bridge spans a valley of vibrant maple trees. When you see it in person, you'll understand why the name of this bridge translates to "crossing heaven."
Information
Tofuku-ji Temple | 東福寺Address
15-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Peak Foliage
Late Nov. thru early Dec.
Website
http://www.tofukuji.jp/english/
What are your favorite places for fall colors in Japan? Tell us in the comments!
Article translated from Thai to English by Rachael.
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THIS ARTICLE IS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM 12 01,2015 Author：Farng
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