As the season cools down and becomes more comfortable, many people start thinking, “I want to enjoy beautiful scenery unique to autumn,” or “I want to refresh my mind and body in a quiet place.”
In particular, temples where the red and yellow autumn leaves harmonize with historical architecture are the perfect spots to feel the atmosphere of the season. However, with so many temples in Japan, finding the one that suits you best can be surprisingly difficult.
In this article, we have carefully selected 5 recommended temples that you must visit during your autumn travels. We will explain the highlights and characteristics of each, so please use this as a reference for your autumn outing plans. Let’s go find a moment of peace amidst beautiful scenery.
- 3 Reasons Why Visiting Temples is Recommended for Autumn Travel
- Feel the Autumn Atmosphere! 5 Strictly Selected Recommended Temples
- 1. Kiyomizu-dera (Kyoto) | A Sea of Autumn Clouds from the Stage
- 2. Chuson-ji (Iwate) | Harmony of World Heritage and Vibrant Leaves
- 3. Engaku-ji (Kanagawa) | Enjoy Kamakura’s Silence and Autumn Colors
- 4. Hasedera (Nara) | The “Temple of Flowers” Shows its Autumn Colors
- 5. Kodai-ji (Kyoto) | Fantastical Night Light-up Reflected in the Pond
- Points to Enjoy Temple Tours More Comfortably
- Summary
- A Message from the Guide
3 Reasons Why Visiting Temples is Recommended for Autumn Travel
Autumn is arguably the best season for visiting temples. Here are three reasons why so many people choose to visit temples during this time of year.
Spectacular Views of Fall Foliage and Historical Buildings
The iconic scene of autumn in Japan is, without a doubt, the changing leaves. When the maple and ginkgo trees within temple grounds turn vibrant colors, they create a stunning contrast with the muted tones of historic wooden architecture—a view you cannot see anywhere else. Viewing this natural art in a serene space deeply heals the hearts of visitors.
Perfect Climate for Walking
Visiting temples often requires physical activity. Since you often have to walk through spacious grounds or climb long stone steps, the scorching heat of summer can be exhausting. However, in autumn, the air becomes crisp and the temperature drops, making it very comfortable. Walking while feeling the pleasant autumn breeze is a precious time for refreshing both mind and body.
Autumn Exclusive Special Viewings and Light-up Events
Many temples hold “Special Viewings” (Tokubetsu Haikan) to coincide with the autumn tourism season, opening areas or displaying Buddha statues that are usually closed to the public. Additionally, many temples light up their grounds at night, allowing you to enjoy a fantastical world completely different from the daytime. Experiencing these seasonal events is a major attraction of autumn temple hopping.
Feel the Autumn Atmosphere! 5 Strictly Selected Recommended Temples
While there are countless famous temples across Japan, we have selected 5 that are particularly renowned for their beautiful autumn scenery. Check out their features to help choose your destination.
1. Kiyomizu-dera (Kyoto) | A Sea of Autumn Clouds from the Stage
Kiyomizu-dera, a representative tourist spot in Kyoto, becomes wrapped in a burning red color when autumn arrives. The view looking down from the famous “Stage of Kiyomizu” is breathtaking, making you feel as if you are floating above a sea of red clouds. The contrast between the Main Hall and the autumn leaves is a beauty you will never forget once seen.
Highlights and Access for Kiyomizu-dera
While the view from the Main Hall is the main attraction, the night illumination held during the special viewing period is not to be missed. The autumn leaves floating in the dark night and the blue beam of light known as the “Compassion Light of Kannon” create a magical atmosphere.
Access: From JR Kyoto Station, take a bus and get off at “Gojozaka” or “Kiyomizu-michi,” then walk for about 10 minutes.
2. Chuson-ji (Iwate) | Harmony of World Heritage and Vibrant Leaves
Chuson-ji, a World Heritage site in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, is a premier spot for autumn leaves in the Tohoku region. The trees that colorfully surround the National Treasure, the Golden Hall (Konjikido), create a solemn atmosphere combined with the hall’s golden glow. The approach known as “Tsukimizaka” is lined with centuries-old cedar trees, and their contrast with the red leaves highlights the serenity of the area.
Highlights and Access for Chuson-ji
The Japanese maples around the Golden Hall are particularly beautiful, allowing you to enjoy a walk while feeling the weight of history. In autumn, a “Chrysanthemum Festival” is also held, adding color to the grounds.
Access: From JR Hiraizumi Station, take the loop bus “Runrun” or a taxi for about 5 minutes.
3. Engaku-ji (Kanagawa) | Enjoy Kamakura’s Silence and Autumn Colors
Engaku-ji, located in Kamakura with easy access from Tokyo, is a place where the dignified air of a Zen temple drifts. Many sub-temples are scattered throughout the vast grounds, and you can enjoy beautiful autumn leaves at each location. The foliage around the Sanmon gate is particularly picturesque, captivating many visitors.
Highlights and Access for Engaku-ji
The scenery seen after passing through the Sanmon gate and the autumn leaves around the National Treasure Shariden (Relic Hall) are must-sees. Since Zazen meditation sessions are also held, it is recommended for those who want quiet time to face themselves.
Access: Extremely convenient location, right in front of JR Yokosuka Line “Kita-Kamakura Station.”
4. Hasedera (Nara) | The “Temple of Flowers” Shows its Autumn Colors
Hasedera in Nara Prefecture has long been loved as the “Temple of Flowers,” but its autumn foliage is also magnificent. The temple grounds, which spread along the mountainside, are dyed in brocade colors in autumn. From the stage of the Main Hall, you can overlook a panorama of the Five-storied Pagoda and the autumn leaves, overwhelmed by the scale of the view.
Highlights and Access for Hasedera
The “Yuka-momiji” (floor maples), where the autumn leaves reflect on the floor of the Main Hall, and the collaboration between the important cultural property climbing corridor and the red leaves are very photogenic. Special viewings are held in autumn.
Access: About a 15-minute walk from Kintetsu Osaka Line “Hasedera Station.” The approach is lined with shops selling traditional herb rice cakes (Kusa-mochi), making for a fun stroll.
5. Kodai-ji (Kyoto) | Fantastical Night Light-up Reflected in the Pond
Kodai-ji, located in the Higashiyama area of Kyoto, is known for being established by Nene, the lawful wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. While the garden is famous, the “Water Mirror” view where autumn leaves reflect on the surface of Garyu Pond becomes a hot topic in autumn. On windless days, the leaves are reflected clearly like a mirror, creating a beauty that draws you in.
Highlights and Access for Kodai-ji
While beautiful during the day, the night illumination is a must-see. Modern productions such as projection mapping are sometimes incorporated, allowing you to enjoy autumn foliage viewing that fuses tradition and innovation.
Access: From JR Kyoto Station, take a bus to “Higashiyama Yasui” stop, then walk for about 7 minutes.
Points to Enjoy Temple Tours More Comfortably
Since the autumn travel season is bustling with many people, preparation and planning are important. Here are three points to enjoy your temple tour comfortably.
Aim for “Early Morning Visits” to Avoid Crowds
Famous temples get very crowded during the day. If you want to enjoy the silence slowly, it is recommended to visit early in the morning right after the gates open. The autumn leaves seen in the clear morning air are exceptionally beautiful, and photography can be done smoothly. In places like Kyoto and Kamakura, using the morning hours effectively allows you to visit more spots in a day.
Measures Against Temperature Changes! Recommended Clothing
Autumn is a season where mornings and evenings are chilly, even if the days are warm. Temples are often located in mountains or shaded by trees, so the temperature tends to be lower than in the city. Prepare clothing that is easy to layer, such as cardigans or jackets. Also, since you will be walking on gravel paths and stone steps, comfortable sneakers are a safe choice.
How to Receive “Goshuin” to Record Memories
Collecting “Goshuin” (red ink stamps) as a commemoration of your temple tour is one of the joys of travel. A Goshuin is received as proof of worship, so be sure to first put your hands together and pray sincerely at the Main Hall before heading to the reception office. Some temples offer limited-edition autumn designs, so it is good to check in advance.
Summary
Temples are the ideal destination for a journey to feel the atmosphere of autumn. The space where beautiful autumn leaves and historic architecture harmonize makes you forget the hustle and bustle of daily life and enriches your spirit. Including the 5 strictly selected temples introduced this time, Japan is full of wonderful autumn scenery. Why not go out and find your favorite temple during this pleasant season?
A Message from the Guide
Touring temples in the fall is truly soothing for the soul. Since the five temples mentioned in this article can get quite crowded, if you prefer to avoid the crowds, I think you can still fully enjoy the autumn foliage at a small local temple in your neighborhood.
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