Autumn is finally well underway in the city of Kyoto.
This year, the trees are beginning to change color about two weeks later than average, and the peak of the autumn leaves is expected to be pushed back to early to mid-December.
So, for those planning to visit Kyoto, we've put together a two-day, one-night model itinerary that will enable you to fully enjoy the colorful autumn scenery.
We will introduce you to hidden gems, spots that are open for special viewing only during this time of year, and tips for avoiding the crowds.
[DAY1]
Temple treasure "Tale of Genji Screen" on display for the first time
A place associated with Murasaki Shikibu, the subtemple of Daitokuji Temple, "Shinjuan"
The trip begins in Murasakino, which spreads out to the northwest of Kyoto City. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city center and enjoy visiting temples and shrines in this relaxing area.
The most representative temple in the area is Daitokuji, a Zen temple that is one of the largest in Kyoto. Its vast grounds include over 20 sub-temples, and many buildings, gardens, and artworks that have been designated national treasures and important cultural properties.
Among them, Shinjuan is a famous temple founded by the monk Ikkyu, who is famous for his wit. Murasaki Shikibu, who is currently the subject of much discussion in the historical drama, is said to have been born and raised in this area, and within the temple grounds there remains a well that is said to have been used for her birth bath.
The well where Murasaki Shikibu was bathed at birth. Even now, more than 1000 years later, the groundwater still flows from this well without drying up.
Shinjuan is usually not open to the public, but this year it will be open to the public for a limited time until December 12th for the first time in three years. The temple treasure "The Tale of Genji Screen," which is said to have been painted in the early Edo period, will be on public display for the first time.
The Tale of Genji Screen depicts six scenes, including Kiritsubo (volume 6) and Utsusemi (volume XNUMX). Although the artist is unknown, the influence of the Kano and Tosa schools can be seen.
During the event, the paintings on the sliding doors of the abbot's chamber, which were newly painted for the first time in about 2018 years in 400, will also be on special display. They were created by six contemporary artists who originally had a connection with the abbot, including manga artist Kenichi Kitami, known for "Tsuribaka Nisshi," and Isamu Kamikokuryo, who served as art director for the video game "Final Fantasy."
Photo courtesy of Kyoto Shunju
Kenichi Kitami's "Paradise" depicts the beautiful scenery of Yoron Island and its smiling people.
Other attractions that are open to the public include the Shoin (traditional Japanese study) "Tsūsen-in," a relocated dressing hall from the Imperial Palace; the two-tatami-mat teahouse "Niwa Gyokuken," which is said to have been the preference of tea master Kanamori Sowa of the early Edo period; and the "Shichi-Go-San Garden," said to have been created by Murata Jukō, the founder of wabi-cha (traditional Japanese tea style).
Daitokuji Temple Shinjuan
Address: 52 Daitokuji-cho, Murasakino, Kita-ku, Kyoto
TEL: 075-231-7015 (Kyoto Shunju)
Visiting hours: 9:30-15:30 (last admission)
Official website:https://kyotoshunju.com/temple/daitokuji-shinjuan_temple/
The specialty, Aburimochi, is a must-try!
Imamiya Shrine: A hidden spot for viewing autumn leaves
After leaving Shinjuan, we headed to Imamiya Shrine, which is adjacent to the grounds of Daitokuji Temple.
This historic shrine dates back to 994, when a ceremony was held to worship the god of plague and quell an epidemic that was raging in Heian-kyo. It is now widely worshipped as a shrine for good health and longevity, halting disasters and epidemics, and bringing good fortune in relationships.
The tower gate and autumn leaves seen from the temple grounds. The fiery red maples are beautiful.
At this time of year, the ginkgo trees lining Imamiyamonzen-dori, the approach to the tower gate, shine golden, and the maples around the main hall, worship hall, tower gate, and drum bridge turn red. You will be captivated by the vibrant colors of autumn.
Within the shrine grounds is a sacred stone called "Aho Kashi-san," which is said to have the miraculous power to speed up recovery from illness. It is said that if you pray to this stone for recovery from illness, lightly stroke it with your hand, and then rub the parts of your body that are ailing, your health will be restored faster.
Beyond the tower gate stretches an approach to the shrine lined with shining golden ginkgo trees.
If you visit Imamiya Shrine, you can't miss the "Aburi Mochi" sweets, which have long been popular among worshippers near the shrine.
It is a small rice cake about the size of a thumb that is skewered on a bamboo stick, grilled over charcoal and coated with white miso sauce. The simple, fragrant taste is addictive! It is said that eating it on the way back from a pilgrimage will ward off illness and bad luck.
Imamiya Shrine
Address: 21 Murasakino Imamiya-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto
TEL: 075-491-0082
Visiting hours: 9:00-17:00 (last admission)
Official website:http://www.imamiyajinja.org/
Enjoy the illuminated autumn leaves and have a cup of matcha tea
Rokuo-in Temple: A hidden gem known only to those in the know
A recommended place to visit after sunset is Rokuo-in Temple, located near Arashiyama. It is a Rinzai sect temple built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1379.
© Hidehiko Mizuno
The Shariden, the symbolic building in the center of the garden, is also known as the "Former Kinkakuji." It is said to have been the model for Kinkakuji Temple, which was also built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.
The flat dry landscape garden, which uses Arashiyama as a backdrop, turns red in autumn, creating a beautiful contrast with the white sand and lush moss. During the "Special Night Viewing" held until December 12th, the mountain gate and the red leaves in the garden are lit up, and the temple grounds are enveloped in a fantastic atmosphere that is different from the daytime.
© Hidehiko Mizuno
The stone-paved approach to the temple leads from the Sanmon gate to the Chumon gate. The colorful maple leaves and branches form an arch, inviting visitors into a world beyond the ordinary.
The venue is limited to 150 people per day, so you can enjoy the event without getting tired of the crowds. In the guest room with a carpeted carpet, you can take a break and relax while being treated to matcha green tea and sweets by the Hayami school of tea ceremony.
Rokuoin Temple
Address: 24 Saga Kitaboricho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City
TEL: 075-491-0082
Visiting hours: 9:00-17:00
Rokuoin Official Website:https://rokuouin.com/
Special Night Viewing Official Website:https://mzt3p.hp.peraichi.com/
Instagram account:@rokuoin_koshiki
【DAY2】
We recommend visiting popular spots first thing in the morning!
Experience the spectacular autumn scenery at Tenryu-ji Temple's Sogenchi Garden
The Arashiyama area is always crowded with tourists. If you are planning to visit Tenryu-ji Temple's Sogenchi Garden, one of the most popular spots for viewing autumn leaves, we recommend staying the night nearby and heading there first thing the next morning.
The leaves are at their peak of color until the first weekend of December. By visiting early in the morning, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the beauty of the leaves sparkling in the morning sun in the crisp, clear air.
©Tenryuji Temple
Sogenchi Garden is a place where you can enjoy the expressive autumn scenery. The autumn leaves reflected in the water are also magnificent!
Tenryu-ji Temple is a historic temple that retains the appearance of 700 years ago. It was the first in Japan to be designated as a historic site and special place of scenic beauty, and has also been recognized and registered as one of the World Heritage sites "Cultural Assets of Ancient Kyoto."
In the garden, which is arranged around the central Sogen Pond, many trees, including maples, azaleas, and cherry blossoms, turn vibrant red in autumn. The dynamic yet delicate beauty of the garden, which is woven together with the borrowed scenery of Arashiyama and Kameyama, the white sand, and the surface of the pond, is captivating.
©Tenryuji Temple
The garden as seen from the Daihojo. You'll want to sit on the veranda or in the tatami room and gaze at it forever.
The gardens seen from the Daihojo are also beautiful, and the scenery framed by the sliding doors looks like a painting. The "Autumn Leaves Tunnel" behind the Sogenchi Garden is also a great spot to see the autumn leaves.
Tenryu-ji Temple Sogenchi Garden
Address: 68, Munnobaba-cho, Sagatenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
TEL: 075-881-1235
Visiting hours: 8:30-17:00 (last admission 16:50)
Official website:https://www.tenryuji.com/
Instagram account:@heavenly_dragon.temple
Text by Erina Nomura
Erina Nomura
A writer born in Osaka in 1986 and currently living in Kyoto. After graduating from university, he worked for a production company involved in a variety of media, including publishing, advertising, and the web. In 2020, he went independent and is now working as a freelancer. His areas of interest include craftsmanship, traditional culture, lifestyle, and travel. As a Kyoto correspondent for Premium Japan, he reports on the latest happenings in Kyoto through the "Kyoto News" section of the editorial department's blog.
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