The Best Time to See is from Mid-Nov to Early- Dec – “Myokakuji Temple” is Hidden Spot for Autumn Leaves with Illumination at Night

One of the popular tourist seasons in Kyoto is autumn season. Many sightseeing spots are crowded with many people everywhere, and it’s challenging to settle down to enjoy a relaxing space. However, although it is in Kyoto, there is a hidden spot for autumn leaves. This is “Myokakuji Temple” (妙覺寺)　which introduces you to this time. You can appreciate full of the bright autumn leaves which are turning red.

“Myokakuji Temple” was built in 1378 at Shijo Omiya in Kyoto. After that, it was relocated to Nijo Koromonotanacho by Yosihisa Ashikaga, and In 1583 the temple was ordered to move to the present location by Hideyoshi Toyotomi. During the period, it seemed that Sen No Rikyu hold a tea ceremony and Nobunaga Oda stayed in this temple. Nobunaga stayed at this temple as the number one regular hotel and spent 18 out of 20 times there he visited Kyoto.

Although there is a lot of history, not so many tourists, and actually it’s one of the hidden autumn leaves spots. This temple has a ‘Hoshi Garden’ (法姿園), which has been maintained in its natural form without any alterations and you can relax and enjoy autumn leaves. The contrast of green moss and bright red autumn leaves is breathtaking beauty and is going to lose track of time. In addition, it’s also nice to visit at a different time because the way that leaves fall flutteringly and a carpet of fallen autumn leaves are also wonderful. The temple is open for a limited time only, and the 2022 autumn special viewing will be from 14th November to 4th December and will be lit up at night. Experience Autumn in Kyoto during this special time.