Just like last year, I went to autumn Kyoto again this year. This time I was with a friend who’d come to visit Osaka, and I wasn’t feeling great either, so there wasn’t time to get around to very many places. So where I went was Daitokuji, which completely blew me away last year, only for all my photos to vanish thanks to an SD card problem. I was so moved by it, and it was a real shame I couldn’t post it. This time I got proper shots, so enjoy. ^_^
Near the entrance to Daitokuji
Daitokuji is in the north of Kyoto, a little further up than Kinkaku-ji. More than a dozen temples are gathered together in one place. It’s not a famous tourist spot, so there weren’t many Chinese tourists and I could wander around in peace. At places like Tofuku-ji you had to queue for 30 minutes just to get in…
Autumn leaves at Daitokuji
They’re not at their peak yet. This is already my third year coming to Kyoto, and timing-wise the first week of December seems to be the best. But Japan had a three-day weekend, so the place was packed with tourists. Finding somewhere to stay was quite a struggle.
The entrance to Kotoin.
It’s beautiful every time I see it. I’ve been wanting to see it for a whole year.
It’s gorgeous right from the entrance.
Autumn leaves
Entrance
To be honest, it was more beautiful last year, since I came when the leaves were at their peak. Still, it’s just as moving as ever.
Photos of the garden inside Kotoin
Luckily, some of the maples have turned bright red.
It really feels like autumn.
Although lately it’s been as cold as winter.
Autumn in Kyoto is truly beautiful.
Continued in Part 2…