As autumn deepens, the famous autumn foliage spots in the Otokuni region of Kyoto Prefecture are reaching their peak. This year, there were many midsummer days in October, but since November, there have been some chilly days, and the trees have finally started to change color. Light-up events and special public viewing events are being held.
The maple leaves at Yanagidani Kannon Yokokuji Temple (Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture) have also started to turn red. The autumn leaves from the Kamishoin, which is currently open to the public, and the "flower water fountain" with floating colored maple leaves are popular, and worshippers are enjoying them with their smartphones and cameras.
The appeal of the Kamishoin Temple, which overlooks the scenic garden, is that you can enjoy the autumn leaves at eye level. Lacquered desks are available so you can take pictures of the autumn leaves reflected in them. Yokokuji Temple's chief priest, Toshihide Kusaka (55 years old), said, "The colors are changing later than usual, so this year we may be able to enjoy them until early December."
At Muko Shrine (Muko City, Kyoto Prefecture), the maple trees around the main hall, which was built in the Muromachi period, have begun to turn red. According to Muko Shrine, the best time to see the cherry blossoms and maple tunnel that covers the stone-paved approach to the shrine will likely be in early December. Free of charge.
Otokuni-ji Temple (Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture) is holding a special exhibition of its wooden Eleven-Headed Kannon standing statue and wooden Bishamonten standing statue, both designated as Important Cultural Properties, until December 8th. The admission fee during the special exhibition period is 1,000 yen. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Goshuin stamps are available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
You can also enjoy the autumn leaves at Komyo-ji Temple (Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture), Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine (Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture), Shoryuji Castle Park (Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture), and the Asahi Group Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art (Oyamazaki Town, Kyoto Prefecture).
