Shiga

Autumn leaves at Saimyo-ji

Colorful maples illuminate an old temple in Shiga

Cathy Cawood Sep 15, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The grey wall and gate contrast with fiery colors</p>

<p>Two tour guides climbing the steps to the gate</p>

<p>Blood red maple behind the bell tower</p>

<p>Maple and early sakura together in early December</p>

<p>Maple trees blaze behind the wall</p>

<p>Stepping stones draw the eye toward bursts of color among the trees</p>

<p>A tapestry of color almost covers the pond under the maple trees</p>

This temple is one of the three 'Koto Sanzan' (old Tendai Bhuddist temples) located in the Suzuka mountain range in Shiga Prefecture. It is a very beautiful temple, especially when the colors of autumn light up the trees in and around the grounds. There is a three tier pagoda and a pretty enclosed garden with a pond.

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...