When is Kyoto’s Autumn at its Best? Exploring Jingo-ji, Saimyo-ji & Kozan-ji скачать в хорошем качестве

When is Kyoto’s Autumn at its Best? Exploring Jingo-ji, Saimyo-ji & Kozan-ji

Explore Jingo-ji, Saimyo-ji, and Kozan-ji – three historic temples nestled in the tranquil mountains of Takao, northwest Kyoto. These ancient temples (dating back over 1200 years) are famed for their stunning autumn foliage, rich history, and unique cultural experiences away from the city crowds. In this video, we highlight each temple’s must-see features, delve into their history, share travel tips on getting there, and uncover fun trivia along the way. Jingo-ji (est. 824) sits high on Mt. Takao and is approached via a long stone staircase amid towering trees. It was a center of Shingon Buddhism (associated with the legendary monk Kūkai) and holds important cultural treasures. Don’t miss the kawarake-nage ritual – visitors can purchase small clay discs and toss them from a cliff overlooking the valley to cast away bad luck and make a wish. The temple’s mountain setting offers breathtaking views, especially when fiery maple leaves blanket the slopes in autumn. Saimyo-ji (9th century) is a smaller, peaceful temple that was originally a sub-temple of Jingo-ji. A picturesque vermilion Shigetsu-kyo Bridge spans a clear river at the entrance, creating a perfect photo spot surrounded by maple trees. After crossing the bridge, a short climb leads to Saimyo-ji’s gate and quiet mossy grounds. Inside the main hall, you can see beautifully carved Buddhist statues up close. Visitors are even allowed to ring the large bronze temple bell (with a small donation) for good fortune – a memorable experience resonating across the valley. Kozan-ji (est. 774) lies deeper in the forest and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to some extraordinary treasures, including the famous “Choju-giga” scrolls, often called Japan’s first manga for their playful caricatures of animals. Kozan-ji is also known as the birthplace of tea cultivation in Japan – the monk Myoe planted the country’s first tea seeds here in the 13th century, and a small tea garden on the grounds survives to this day. Strolling through Kozan-ji’s rustic grounds feels like stepping back in time. The surroundings are especially enchanting in autumn, with colorful foliage framing the historic Sekisui-in hall (which houses the temple’s artifacts) and other structures. How to Get There: The Takao area is about an hour from central Kyoto. From Kyoto Station, you can take a JR bus (Takao line) or Kyoto City Bus (route 8) directly to Takao. Buses run roughly every 20–30 minutes and cost around ¥230 one-way. Get off at Takao bus stop for Jingo-ji and Saimyo-ji – from there it’s a 10–15 minute walk: cross the red bridge for Saimyo-ji or continue up the hill and across the river to reach the base of Jingo-ji’s stairs. Kozan-ji is further up the valley: stay on the bus to the Toganoo terminus (5 minutes past Takao) and walk about 10 minutes to the temple, or if coming on foot from Jingo-ji it’s roughly a 30–40 minute scenic walk along the road. Best Time to Visit: Autumn is the prime season – the autumn colours typically peak from late October to mid-November, when the maples turn brilliant red and gold. This period draws many visitors (especially on weekends), but the spectacular scenery is worth it. For a quieter experience, consider visiting on a weekday or earlier in the season. Spring (late March to early April) is another lovely time, with cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in Takao. Each season offers a different atmosphere: summer brings lush green forests, and occasionally winter sees a dusting of snow on the temple rooftops – a magical sight if you don’t mind the cold. Visitor Information: – Hours: Jingo-ji 9:00–16:00; Saimyo-ji 9:00–17:00; Kozan-ji 8:30–17:00 (typically open daily; Saimyo-ji may close around New Year). – Admission: Jingo-ji ¥1000; Saimyo-ji ¥700; Kozan-ji – grounds free (a special ¥500 entry fee is charged during autumn season). Note: At Kozan-ji an additional ¥1000 is required to view the Choju-giga scrolls and related treasures when they are on display. – Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for the hikes and stairs. Bring some coins if you’d like to toss kawarake discs at Jingo-ji or ring the bell at Saimyo-ji. There are small shops near Jingo-ji’s entrance selling snacks, and a tea house in Takao – perfect for a rest with a view. Restrooms are available at the temples or nearby. Photography is allowed in the outdoor areas (indoor photography may be restricted, especially around artifacts). As always in Japan, be respectful: keep noise low, and follow any guidelines given by the temple staff or volunteers. Enjoy the video and discover a more tranquil side of Kyoto’s heritage. If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto, the temples of Takao are a fantastic off-the-beaten-path destination – especially for nature lovers and those looking to experience Kyoto’s autumn beauty in a serene setting. Official Websites: • Jingo-ji – http://www.jingoji.or.jp/ • Saimyo-ji – https://www.saimyoji.or.jp/ • Kozan-ji – https://kosanji.com/