This post was written in 2006. Some information may be out of date.
I went to Kyoto over the weekend to see the autumn leaves. I’d say Kyoto might be the most beautiful city in Japan in autumn. Coming here really blew me away. Countless temples, their gardens dyed in every colour, were welcoming worshippers who had come up from all over the country.
The first place I rushed to was Tofuku-ji (東福寺), the temple most famous for autumn leaves in Kyoto.
It’s south of Kyoto Station. There were an insane number of tour groups from China. Thanks to them I think I waited about an hour. But once I got inside, I was really glad I came.
Leaves just starting to turn
The leaves are starting to change. Judging by their colour, the peak is probably a week or two away. I thought I’d timed it well, but it’s been warm this year so the leaves are late… I’ll have to come back next year ^_^
Dyed in every colour.
It’s better in person than in the photos. Seeing it for real is almost startling..
By the river
Cycling along a quiet riverside path. I came across this riverside path on my way from Tofuku-ji to Ginkaku-ji. Somehow it reminded me of the Yangjaecheon stream back in Seoul… though I’d have to say it’s about five times bigger than Yangjaecheon ^_^
A bridge across the river.
I have a vague memory that this was the Gojo Bridge.. anyway, it’s a historic spot. Though most of Kyoto is historic ^_^
After spending some time at Ginkaku-ji, I walked the Philosopher’s Path down to Eikando and Nanzen-ji just below it. A fantastic route in spring and autumn. Nanzen-ji is famous for its autumn leaves too, but maybe because it was cloudy, I didn’t get any good shots. Instead, at Nanzen-ji I tried yudofu (simmered tofu), a Kyoto specialty.. It wasn’t strongly flavoured, but it was very tasty. And the little park behind Nanzen-ji, with an old railway track running through it, was really cosy and had a lovely atmosphere.. If I ever had to get some work done in Kyoto, that’s where I’d recommend ^_^;
Eikando (永観堂) is the most beautiful place in Kyoto for autumn leaves. During the day I only looked around outside for a bit before moving on to Nanzen-ji, but it’s famous for its night illuminations, so I went back after dark.
Autumn leaves at night. Beautiful, like stars. The pale pink cherry blossoms scattering across the sky in the warm spring breeze are gorgeous, sure, but it wasn’t until I came here that I learned Kyoto’s autumn leaves are every bit as captivating. If I hadn’t come to Kyoto in autumn, I might have regretted it for the rest of my life.
This is about the limit of my humble photography skills.
Eikando had a few small events on that you’d regret missing.
Musicians playing traditional music on a bridge. The mood of the music together with the autumn leaves was magical.. Admission was 600 yen, and it was totally worth it..
The city of Kyoto seen from Kiyomizu-dera.
After hurrying through Eikando, I dashed off to the night illumination at Kiyomizu-dera. Kiyomizu-dera sits up on a hill, so it’s not an easy walk, but I got to see this amazing night view. Fantastic~ Kyoto Tower was as beautiful as Kobe Port Tower. A sight I’ll never forget as long as I live. Next time I get the chance to visit Kyoto in autumn, I’m definitely bringing a tripod. ^_^
Seimei Shrine, which I visited the next morning.
Seimei, an onmyoji (yin-yang diviner) of the Heian period, is a pretty famous figure from manga and movies.
The garden at Kitano Tenmangu
I headed off to find the nearest decent place to eat from Seimei Shrine. Because of Shichi-Go-San, a traditional Japanese custom, the place was full of adorable kids in kimono. Around the back there was a garden that was free yet as beautiful as most paid gardens.
Ginkgo trees at Kyoto Gyoen
Kids were running around and playing under a truly huge ginkgo tree. Mum was taking photos ^_^; Autumn in Kyoto seems to be the happiest time of year for grown-ups and kids alike.
Scenery I shot while wandering around town after finishing the temple and shrine circuit.
It really is a wonderful city. They say Kyoto is the spiritual home of the Japanese, and Japanese tradition is preserved just as it was.. Though I don’t think you can learn much about present-day Japan here ^_^;
Kyoto in autumn is such a beautiful city. I got around by bike, and it was the best choice ^_^; Buses mean long waits, they’re expensive, and you can miss all the nice scenery along the streets.. Next time I think I should come with a better plan. ^_^;