I found this lovely little temple completely by accident one beautiful autumn day, after hiking over the hills from Rokusha Shrine via Shogunzuka. I was following a descending trail when suddenly there it was! It looks very old, and has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Perhaps my impression was helped by the afternoon sunshine, and the homely sight of trays and cups on the wooden verandah.
- 1 min read
Autumn color at Sonsho-in
Small and pretty temple in Kyoto's Higashiyama Hills
![Cathy Cawood Cathy Cawood](http://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/1713/240x240!/61d020bdef751f611f5e3c02.jpg)
By Cathy Cawood
Community writer
![Sonsho-in is small but beautiful ](http://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/15615-93211/1000/kyoto-autumn-color-at-sonsho-in-93211.jpg)
Sonsho-in is small but beautiful
![Small shrine under the turning leaves of a gingko tree](http://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/15615-93206/1000/kyoto-autumn-color-at-sonsho-in-93206.jpg)
Small shrine under the turning leaves of a gingko tree
![Three small statues at the end of a small, rough path](http://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/15615-93214/1000/kyoto-autumn-color-at-sonsho-in-93214.jpg)
Three small statues at the end of a small, rough path
![Stone lanterns stand on front of the wooden verandah ](http://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/15615-93205/1000/kyoto-autumn-color-at-sonsho-in-93205.jpg)
Stone lanterns stand on front of the wooden verandah
![Trays with cups of water on the verandah](http://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/15615-93207/1000/kyoto-autumn-color-at-sonsho-in-93207.jpg)
Trays with cups of water on the verandah
![The leaves of the cherry trees have already fallen](http://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/15615-93215/1000/kyoto-autumn-color-at-sonsho-in-93215.jpg)
The leaves of the cherry trees have already fallen
![Autumn berries create a splash of red in the garden](http://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/15615-93213/1000/kyoto-autumn-color-at-sonsho-in-93213.jpg)
Autumn berries create a splash of red in the garden
![A maple tree spreads its branches over a flight of steps leading to the temple](http://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/15615-93210/1000/kyoto-autumn-color-at-sonsho-in-93210.jpg)
A maple tree spreads its branches over a flight of steps leading to the temple
![View over the Higashiyama area of Kyoto](http://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/15615-93209/1000/kyoto-autumn-color-at-sonsho-in-93209.jpg)
View over the Higashiyama area of Kyoto
Information
70 Awataguchi Sanjobocho Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0035 (Directions)
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