Bishamondo Temple in Autumn

Yamashina temple deservedly famous for autumn color

Cathy Cawood Mar 04, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The temple roof rises above a blaze of red maple leaves</p>

<p>A monk walks along a gravel path in front of the temple</p>

<p>Steps lead up the hillside to the red gate</p>

<p>Chokushi-Mon gate is only used for the emperors</p>

<p>Small bamboo lanterns on the path to the Emperor's gate</p>

<p>Cherry trees with twisted trunks in the courtyard</p>

<p>The newly renovated gable of the temple</p>

<p>In autumn the inner garden glows with color</p>

<p>The temple has three gates but this is the only red one</p>

<p>Small stone tori over the path to the pond</p>

<p>A cherry leaf clinging to a bare branch</p>

<p>At the back of the temple there is a car park with souvenir shops</p>

This small temple near Yamashina JR Station is a beautiful building with great artworks and a gorgeous inner garden, but when I visited in autumn I was short of time, so I didn't enter. Even so there were plenty of wonderful photo opportunities in the temple grounds and on the landscaped hillside in front of the temple. This temple is beautiful at any time of year, but when the maple leaves turn red it is a sight you shouldn't miss!

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...