Now we can see a lot of Japanese maple trees leaves have turned a beautiful crimson all over Japan. Especially their color in Kyoto is said to be one of the most beautiful. Because Kyoto is surrounded by mountains, the temperature difference between day and night is extreme and it affects the color of the leaves. That’s why people prefer to visit Kyoto to enjoy watching autumn leaves.
I also visited Kyoto and chose two places for watching the leaves change; one is Ichijoji area where Shisendo Jozan-ji Temple (Shisendi for short) and Enko-ji Temple are seated, the other is Tofuku-ji Temple located in the southeastern area in Kyoto. Shisendo and Enko-ji Temple are relatively quiet and calm while Tofuku-ji Temple is so famous for its view of colored maple leaves that a lot of tourists visit it.
Both of Shisendo and Enko-ji Temple have a beautiful and elegant view seen from viewing room. We can enjoy the beauty of nature covered with crimson maple leaves between a narrow wooden deck and the eaves. Visiting tourists took many pictures of the nice scenery. It is only in this season from the middle of November through early December that they get such wonderful pictures!
The color of maples consist of green, yellow, light red and crimson: the combination of these colors looks like a masterpiece of nature. While strolling around the Japanese landscape garden, you can appreciate the beauty of the maple trees and leaves. They are reflected on the surface of the oldest pond, too!
Next I introduce a well-known Zen temple, Tofuku-ji Temple. It is one of five “Kyoto Gozan” temples which has a magnificent Doto Garan complex, the only one of its kind in Kyoto. In the precincts, Tsutenkyo (Bridge to Heaven), the long lofty corridor over the valley is distinguished by its landscape with maple trees. Maple leaves of the valley seen from Tsutenkyo is a breathtaking view which is outstanding during this season. We can also enjoy having a stroll in the valley, viewing a lot of maple leaves. You’ll find fallen leaves spreading on the ground. They look as if they were crimson carpets.
On the way back, I dropped by at a bakery and bought a sandwich for lunch, looking forward to having it on the beautiful Kamo River in Kyoto. However, as soon as I sat on the bench in a sandbank of the river, a crow took away my sandwich. I was so astonished at the happening. What a waste! I regretted that I was not careful enough. Beware of birds when you try to have lunch on the riverside! Though I was not able to eat the sandwich, I was quite content to enjoy the autumn scenery in Kyoto to the full.
