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
Join the discussion
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.
2 comments 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
-
1Experience Oarai: A Quiet Fishing Town Blessed by the Bounty of the Sea
Ibaraki - Sponsored -
2Discover Hakodate: A Vibrant Port City in Hokkaido
Hokkaido - Sponsored -
3Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road
Chiba -
4An Immersive Look Into Akita’s Food Heritage
Akita - Sponsored -
5A Taste of Shiga at COCOSHIGA
Tokyo - Sponsored -
6Spa Resort Hawaiians: A Tropical Escape with a Japanese Soul in Iwaki
Fukushima - Sponsored -
7An Intellectual Journey Through Fujita Tsuguharu’s Legacy in Akita
Akita - Sponsored -
8A Journey Through an Edo Castle Town From Art Hotel Narita
Chiba - Sponsored -
9Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
10Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture
-
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
3The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5November Grand Sumo Tournament (Fukuoka)
Fukuoka -
6Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
7Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba -
8Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie -
9Tori-no-Ichi
Tokyo -
10Winter in Japan: Your Seasonal Guide
Planning