2011/11/30 - Kyoto Report
by schauwecker
Red maple leaves behind fallen cherry leaves on moss
As Kyoto remains at the peak of the autumn color season, I visited some lesser known koyo spots in the northeastern part of the city: Manshuin, Enkoji, Shinnyodo and Honenin Temples.
Manshuin Temple is located a short walk from the Shugakuin Imperial Villa and offered some amazing colors today along its outer walls. The trees around the temple were at the peak of their seasonal beauty and have started to drop some leaves, creating colorful patters on the moss beneath. On the paid temple grounds, colorful trees were less numerous.
Along the outer walls of Manshuin Temple
Fallen leaves on moss
Fallen leaves on asphalt
Enkoji Temple is a small Zen temple, a ten minute walk from Manshuin. Its courtyard is filled with maple trees that seemed to already approach the end of their peak today and have created a wonderful carpet of yellow, orange and red leaves beneath themselves. An observation point on the hill behind the main hall allows for some intriguing bird's eye views.
Enkoji's garden seen from the main hall
Enkoji seen from the observation point behind the temple
Water basin at Enkoji Temple
Shinnyodo is a pretty temple with free grounds and a three storied pagoda on a small hill not far from Ginkakuji and the Philosopher's Path. Large numbers of maple trees along its approach and on its grounds make it one of Kyoto's nicest, lesser known koyo spots. The trees are currently at their peak and should remain worth a visit for another week.
Approach to Shinnyodo Temple
Shinnyodo's three storied pagoda
Approach to Shinnyodo Temple
Maple trees cover Shinnyodo's temple grounds
Just a few steps off the Philosopher Path stands Honenin with its moss covered entrance gate that is another local favorite, little known among the masses visiting neighboring Ginkakuji. Compared with the other spots that I had visited today, however, the colors at Honenin were not quite as spectacular. And the many photographers (including myself) waiting for the gate to be free of people did rob the place of its usual off-the-beaten-path atmosphere.
The celebrated entrance gate of Honenin - for a few moments free of tourists
Moss and plants cover the gate's roof
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