This temple is one of the three 'Koto Sanzan' (old Tendai Bhuddist temples) located in the Suzuka mountain range in Shiga Prefecture. It is a very beautiful temple, especially when the colors of autumn light up the trees in and around the grounds. There is a three tier pagoda and a pretty enclosed garden with a pond.
- 1 min read
Autumn leaves at Saimyo-ji
Colorful maples illuminate an old temple in Shiga
By Cathy Cawood
Community writer
The grey wall and gate contrast with fiery colors
Two tour guides climbing the steps to the gate
Blood red maple behind the bell tower
Statue with red maple leaves
Maple leaves, moss and stones
Graceful three-tier pagoda
Yellow leaves around the pagoda
Maple leaves on thick green moss
Maple and early sakura together in early December
Maple trees blaze behind the wall
Stepping stones draw the eye toward bursts of color among the trees
A scattering of maple leaves
A tapestry of color almost covers the pond under the maple trees
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Mandy Bartok
10 years ago
I must have missed this in autumn, Cathy. Beautiful photos and it looks fairly uncrowded, too.
Thanks Mandy! Actually there were busloads of tourists coming and going, but this temple was pretty big, so it didn't feel crowded.
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