Sep 4, 2014 - 1 min read

Luscious Okusaga, Kyoto

Famous historical sites quoted in classic poetry

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

Tea house with burning-red autumn leaves in the backdrop. Autumn is the busiest season of the year here

Upper part of Saga-Toriimoto area. Similar photos taken from this angle are often used in various magazines (Ayu Teahouse Hirano-ya)

Moss-covered thatched roof and slight light coming from a tea house lantern create drama

This area is designated as one of 'Important Groups of Traditional Buildings' in Japan. It's hard to find a thatched roof covered with moss like this anywhere else!

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is a temple of Jodo Buddhism located at the lower part of the Toriimoto area. Since the Heian Period, Adashino had been an area where people abandoned the bodies of the dead, exposing them to the wind and rain

The history of Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple started when Kukai founded Nyorai-ji Temple, and buried the abandoned bodies of the dead here

Most of the traditional buildings were built in the late Edo Period through Meiji Period. Surrounded by abundant greenery, this scenery reminds you of the Japan of yesteryear

Located in Okusaga in Kyoto, Atago Shrine enshrines the God of fire and is the head shrine of more than 800 Atago Shrines in Japan. This torii is the first torii gate on its grounds

When you pass by Hirano-ya Teahouse, go straight and turn right; you'll be at the same spot from where I took the 2nd photo. Watch your step, since the ground here is unsteady

Brilliant red leaves. The view created by sunset beams filtering through these leaves at twilight just takes your breath away

Since olden times, Sagano has been known for its scenic beauty and as a place to ease your mind. When you appreciate the great view of Togetsu-kyo bridge and the Katsura river in Arashiyama, then walk through the passageway in the bamboo grooves, you'll reach the area called, 'Torii-moto'. In the Heian period (794 - 1185), many imperial villas were built here one after another, and emperors, along with aristocrats, often enjoyed hunting or boating on the Ooi river (above the Katsura River from Togetsu-kyo Bridge).

This place was cited many times in old Japanese poetry (waka), and also this area is a designated 'Important Groups of Traditional Buildings' in Japan. When you look at the luscious red leaves here, you can feel as though you are traveling back in time to the Japan of yesteryear. (Photos were taken in 2013)