2010/11/17 - Ise Report
by schauwecker
The Ise Shrines are not a destination well known for their autumn colors. Indeed, there are only a relatively small number of trees that turn colors on the grounds of the two shrines. Nevertheless, the few colorful patches of autumn foliage can further enhance a visit to these divine places.
Hiyoke Bridge, Outer Shrine
I first visited the Outer Shrine (Geku) whose grounds are dominated by tall, magnificent evergreens. Autumn colors were virtually non existent except for a couple of trees around the Hiyoke Bridge at the shrine's main entrance. They were still at an early stage in their coloring.
The outer shrine is dominated by evergreens
Although also dominated by evergreens, the grounds of the Inner Shrine (Naiku) had a little bit more colors to offer. There were some nice maple trees around the Uji Bridge at the entrance of the shrine, along Isuzu River and around the Kaguraden building.
Uji Bridge, Inner Shrine
View of Isuzu River from the Uji Bridge, Inner Shrine
Purification site at the Isuzu riverside, Inner Shrine
The few colorful trees on the grounds of the Inner Shrine have only recently started to change from green into some yellow, orange and red. I estimate that it takes another week until they reach the peak of their autumnal beauty.
View from the bridge leading to the Kazahinomi Shrine, Inner Shrine
Some colorful trees behind the roof of the Kaguraden, Inner Shrine
Green is the predominant color at the Inner Shrine, too
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