Fiery Autumn at Tanzan Shrine

Unique architecture and seasonal nature at their best

Bryan Baier Dec 28, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>The driveway at the top of Tonomine Pass leading to Tanzan Shrine</p>

<p>The view from the overlook's parking lot</p>

<p>A stone monument in the overlook area</p>

<p>The 13-story pagoda from the overlook</p>

<p>The Kanden Hall from the overlook</p>

<p>The Collective Altar Hall (Soshahonden), the The General Worship Hall (Soshahaiden) and the giant cedar tree between them</p>

<p>The stairway to the Kanden Hall and Hiei Shrines</p>

<p>Foliage obscuring the stairway to the Hiei Shrines</p>

<p>One of the larger Hiei Shrines<br />
 </p>

<p>One of the larger Hiei Shrines and a maple tree</p>

<p>Three Hiei Shrines framed by the trees</p>

<p>The 13-story Pagoda and the foliage</p>

<p>The 13-story pagoda obscured by leaves</p>

<p>Lanterns on the deck of the prayer hall</p>

<p>Lanterns framed by a prayer hall doorway</p>

<p>The East Treasure House and the stairs leading to it</p>

<p>Under the trees in front of the prayer hall</p>

Autumn turns the Japanese countryside and its many shrines and temples to lakes and seas of autumn fire. The most spectacular temples and shrines also draw out hordes of people. Tanzan Shrine in the mountains south of Nara Prefecture's Sakurai City is far enough removed from the well beaten and well known tracks that it doesn't draw the overwhelming number of visitors that more well known and easily accessed locales in Nara City and Kyoto do. It's maple, sakura and beach tree filled grounds, mountaintop locale and beautiful buildings, including the unique 15th century 13-story pagoda, make it one of if not the most beautiful mountain shrines in Japan. The sites turned me into snap happy maniac as I worked to capture the beauty of the location on film. I have yet to find a shrine or temple who's autumnal beauty exceeds that of Tanzan.