This small temple near Yamashina JR Station is a beautiful building with great artworks and a gorgeous inner garden, but when I visited in autumn I was short of time, so I didn't enter. Even so there were plenty of wonderful photo opportunities in the temple grounds and on the landscaped hillside in front of the temple. This temple is beautiful at any time of year, but when the maple leaves turn red it is a sight you shouldn't miss!
- 1 min read
Bishamondo Temple in Autumn
Yamashina temple deservedly famous for autumn color

By Cathy Cawood
Community writer

The temple roof rises above a blaze of red maple leaves

A monk walks along a gravel path in front of the temple

Steps lead up the hillside to the red gate

Chokushi-Mon gate is only used for the emperors

Small bamboo lanterns on the path to the Emperor's gate

Cherry trees with twisted trunks in the courtyard

The newly renovated gable of the temple

In autumn the inner garden glows with color

The temple has three gates but this is the only red one

Small stone tori over the path to the pond

The pond is small but beautiful

A cherry leaf clinging to a bare branch

At the back of the temple there is a car park with souvenir shops
Join the discussion
James Forest
11 years ago
I love the red in the leaves. That is why Autumn is my favorite season. The colors are just fantastic.
1 comment in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road
Chiba -
2
Winter Adventure in Akita, Japan
Akita - Sponsored -
3
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
4
Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
5
Japanese Etiquette: The Ultimate Guide
Culture -
6
Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
7
Awaji Island: A Hidden Gem in the Seto Inland Sea
Hyogo - Sponsored -
8
Transit Guide: JR Kansai Area Pass
Transportation -
9
Yakiniku Inoue Ginza
Tokyo -
10
The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Head Spas in Japan
Beauty & Spa
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
September Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
3
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri
Osaka -
6
Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo -
9
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
10
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto