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While the famous groves of central Kyoto are still stubbornly green, this historic highland sanctuary, nestled in a valley just over the western mountain ridges, is already bathed in a breathtaking, fiery brilliance. Known to the local elite as the “Maple Shrine“, it offers the most intense concentration of autumn color in the region.
- The “Scarlet Vault“: The approach to the main hall is not merely a path, but a tunnel. Over 1,000 mature Japanese maples reach across the stone walkways, their branches interlocking to create a natural cathedral ceiling of vibrant reds and oranges.
- The Reflection Ritual: The heart of the grounds features a tranquil, mirror-like pond. During the height of the season, the water captures the perfect, inverted image of the vermilion-lacquered architecture and the overhanging foliage, providing a masterclass in Japanese landscape composition.
- 1,300 Years of Heritage: Founded in the year 709, this site carries a weight of history that resonates in its weathered timber. It is a place for slow, deliberate observation, ideal for those who appreciate the intersection of ancient spirituality and natural beauty.
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