Maple leaves, gardens, time-worn temples and shrines, and so much more!Nagaokakyo City
Nagaokakyo served as the capital of Japan from 784 to 794. The long slope leading up to Komyo-ji Temple, built in 1198, is carpeted in red maple leaves in autumn. Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine has a curved orange-red bridge crossing over a wide pond. Access: take the JR Tokai Line (local, 10 minutes) or the Hankyu line (express, 15 minutes) to Nagaoka Tenjin.
Uji City
Uji has been a center of culture for over 1,200 years. Perfectly set along the Uji River (lined with maple trees), the area is highly popular all year. Local Kosho-ji Temple is famous for its tea ceremony and its exquisite maple leaves. The Phoenix Hall of Byodo-in Temple, which graces Japan’s ¥10 coin, is one of the beautiful structures in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reflected in the large pond in front of it, this exotic, age-old structure is home to a priceless 11th century Amida Buddha and many other art masterpieces. Access: take the Keihan (change at Chushojima), and JR lines. It’s about 30 minutes from Kyoto.Keihokucho Town
Blessed with rich forests, the town of Keihokucho is home to a number of interesting ruins (some of them dating back to the stone-age) and a famous cherry-blossom Zen temple. The town has had strong ties with the imperial family since the Heian period (794-1185), especially in connection with Joshoko-ji Temple, which was patronized by a number of emperors over the centuries. In November, many tourists visit Keihokucho’s Joshoko-ji Temple to admire its amazing maple trees. Access: take a JR bus from Kyoto Stn. At Shuzan transfer to another bus, and get off at the Yamaguni Goryo-mae bus stop.
Kamo Town
The Kamo area, located in the southeastern part of Kyoto Prefecture, is a peaceful rural area known for its many, ancient, open-air stone Buddha statues dating from the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Gansen-ji Temple, built in 729, is located in the center of a forest that has many wild maple trees. Jyoruri-ji Temple contains a number of artifacts from the Fujiwara period (10th-12th century). The main hall has nine superb Amida Nyorai statues. Access: take the JR Nara line from Kyoto Stn. (in about 90 min.), transfer at Kizu, and take the Kansai Honsen line to Kamo.
Fukuchiyama City
Fukuchiyama City has a long and colorful history, including the story of its famous castle (built in the late Muromachi period (1333-1568)). Local Cho-an-ji Temple is home to an important 11th century wooden statue of the Yakushi Nyorai (Physician of the Souls Buddha), and has a superb stone-decorated garden of stunning maple trees. Access: take the JR Sanin line express train to Fukuchiyama (80 min.).
Mineyama Town
Mineyama is considered by some scholars to be the birthplace of Japanese sericulture. Local Kotohira Shrine, built in 1811 by the local daimyo (feudal lord), is dedicated to the 7 Gods of Fortune, of which the gods of business and study are most popular. Access: JR Sanin line Hashidate Ltd. Express to Amanohashidate, transfer to KTR Miyazu line to Mineyama.