Maple Symphony

Enjoy the quiet and stillness of this 1,200-year-old mountain temple, which offers a sophisticated retreat into an “Old Japan” rarely experienced by most travelers. In the fall, its transformation is particularly striking, revealed through a refined, painterly palette of seasonal color.

The visit begins at a monumental National Treasure gate, an exceptional example of Muromachi-period timber architecture. In late fall, the gate’s weathered dark wood creates a dramatic counterpoint to the vivid maples that frame the entrance. Beyond, the grounds unfold as a layered landscape of terraced gardens and ancient stone paths. Here, kouyou (fall foliage) is viewed against deep green moss and 10th-century stone carvings, producing a visual contrast that feels akin to a living museum.

A gentle ascent through the surrounding temple woods leads to an elevated vantage point, where the pagoda spire rises above a sea of red and amber leaves. The scene embodies a profound sense of architectural and natural harmony. Unlike the crowded temples of downtown Kyoto, this hillside sanctuary allows for a private, unhurried experience where you can truly connect with the landscape.