3 Hyogo’s Historic Temples with Beautiful Autumn Leaves to Visit by Car for Family Trips and Dates!

Each year, all fall foliage spot offers different colors and scenery. We are introducing three temples in Hyogo Prefecture famous for their autumn leaves. Those spots are worthy of family vacations and dating. Why not drive to those spots that offer something new with a sense of history?

“Nakayama-dera Temple” is famous for safe childbirth prayers; visitors can enjoy strolling in the autumn leaves at the spacious precincts

Nakayama-dera Temple is the first sacred place in Japan dedicated to Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy), built by Prince Shotoku (574-627). Afterward, General Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598) prayed for his son to be born at this temple. Moreover, the mother of Emperor Meiji prayed at this temple and gave birth to Emperor Meiji, making it famous as a temple for safe childbirth. Nowadays, this temple has escalators and elevators so expectant mothers can visit here safely. During the fall foliage season, you can enjoy the beautiful contrast between the green and reddish-brown leaves, which you will want to capture in your photos. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the autumn leaves while taking a break at the cafe in the spacious precincts.

Hours	9:00AM – 4:00PM, open all year round
Address	2-11-1 Nakayamadera, Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture
Access	A 10-minute drive from Takarazuka Washington Hotel
URL	https://www.nakayamadera.or.jp/

“Kiyoshikojin Seicho-Ji Temple,” where the good old ambiance of Showa-era and nostalgia can still be found

Kiyoshikojin Seicho-Ji Temple is believed to be the god of fire & kitchen and is popularly called the “God of Kojin-san.” That temple is crowded with visitors who pray for various benefits of the present life, such as family safety, good luck against bad luck, and prosperity in business. We can see old-fashioned street vendors on the road to the temple from the station and parking lot, and we can head toward the temple while feeling nostalgic for the Showa Era (1926-1989). As for inside the temple ground, it has unique “Dedicated Fire Tongs,” so you will be surprised with some tall tongs, some of which are as tall as a person. In addition, there are “Tessai Art Museum” and “Historical Museum” in the same area, where many artworks of Tessai Tomioka (1837-1924) are exhibited. In autumn, the scenery at its entrance changes colors with red and yellow leaves, providing a different atmosphere from usual. Since that temple is in the middle of a small mountain, you can also feel the clean and fresh air.

Hours	9:00AM – 5:00PM, open all year round
Address	1 Maetani Kiyoshi, Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture
Access	A 12-minute drive from Takarazuka Washington Hotel
URL	http://www.kiyoshikojin.or.jp/

Enjoy the illumination during the fall foliage season! “Manganji Temple,” a venerable site with a long history

Manganji Temple was founded in the Nara period (710-794) and held a long history. It is surrounded by the rich nature of mountains. And the temple is also famous as a “wish-fulfilling temple” because it was founded to save people through the merit of Buddha with Mangan (fulfillment of a vow). Its temple gate was featured in the picture book ‘Tick-Tock: The Promised Clock Tower’ by Akihiro Nishino, published in 2019, which brought even more tourists to the site. In November, visitors can enjoy its illumination by lighting up 1,000 candles along the approach to the precincts. That unique combination of autumn foliage and candlelight is absolutely fantastic.

Hours	9:00AM -4:30PM, Open all year round
Entrance fee	300 yen
Address	7-1 Manganji-Cho, Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture
Access	A 25-minute drive from Takarazuka Washington Hotel
URL	https://www.manganji.jp/