Autumn Foliage Path to Nison-in - 1

Gorgeous fall colors of Nison-in Temple in Sagano

Takako Sakamoto Oct 15, 2014 - 2 min read

<p>I was tempted to reach out for these beautiful leaves on short, waist-high maple trees</p>

<p>I walked up through the long approach with gorgeous maple trees on both sides, and reached the temple entrance with its white stone walls</p>

<p>Fiery red maple leaves along the approach to the temple</p>

<p>This famous long approach to the temple is called, 'Momiji-no Baba (Riding Grounds with Maple Leaves)', and it's often used as a locale for Autumn Leaves forecasts on TV</p>

<p>It was a fine day, the best day for autumn leaves viewing!</p>

<p>Brilliant maple leaves clearly contrasted with mountains of Sagano under the blue sky</p>

<p>Look at these brilliant natural colors!</p>

<p>When you see these red leaves with your own eyes, you'll understand why they call this approach, 'Momiji-no Baba (Riding Grounds with Maple Leaves)'</p>

In the year I visited this temple, mornings and evenings were chilly. When there is a big difference in temperature between night and day, the colors of maple leaves become even more brilliant!

I visited Nison-in Temple in Sagano, Kyoto, four years ago, on November 20th, 2010. I happened to see a TV news story in which the approach to this temple with brilliant maple leaves was introduced, and I was tempted to go. Generally, Kyoto in autumn is very crowded, but this time, as it was aired on TV, the temple was extraordinarily jammed! However, I told myself, 'I expected this', and entered the temple from its main gate. The famous 'Momiji-no Baba', literally, 'Riding Grounds with Maple Leaves', is a gentle approach leading to the temple entrance. As the name indicates, the brilliant maple trees which line the slope on both sides will just take your breath away.

Nison-in Temple, Sagano 1. Autumn Foliage Path to Nison-in - 1 2. Autumn Colors at Nison-in - 2 3. Early Summer Green at Nison-in - 3

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Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...