Kyoto Fall Foliage | The Beauty of Saihoji Temple

After leaving Kozanji Temple, walk through Japan's oldest tea garden and along the Kiyotaki River to reach Saihoji Temple, which is dotted with maple leaves. The mountain path is short, with stone lanterns and stone tablets engraved with the names of donors on both sides. After a few steps, you will see a beautiful Japanese bridge. I personally think that this red bridge is the biggest highlight of Saihoji Temple, and the bridge is even redder than the maple leaves. The bridge looks particularly beautiful against the backdrop of the withered branches and fallen leaves, and I seem to understand the beauty of Japanese culture in an instant. Saihoji Temple is located by the mountains and rivers, and the babbling stream of the Qinglong River makes the temple full of cherry blossoms in spring, green in summer, red leaves in autumn, and snow in winter, bringing a variety of styles to the temple. The ancient mottled gate and copper bell pavilion, as well as the moss-covered stone pagodas and stone lanterns, all tell visitors that this is an ancient temple with a long history. Saihoji Temple was built in 832 AD by Master Chiquan, a disciple of Master Kukai, and is also known as the Heijoshinoin. The entire temple is not large, and it takes about 20 minutes to walk through, but because it is relatively unpopular, you can enjoy it slowly. Every early November, the maple leaves here turn golden yellow first, and the yellow maple leaves are all over the Kiyotaki River, as if the sky accidentally knocked over the yellow paint, which is saturated and dazzling. Travel tips: Since it is located between Kozanji Temple and Jingoji Temple, many people use Saihoji Temple as a resting place, leisurely drinking tea and enjoying the precious warm sunshine of autumn. There is a small, quaint tea house in the temple where travelers can sit down and rest, enjoy a Japanese tea experience, and enjoy the maple leaves. Leaving Saihoji Temple, walk along the road next to the Kiyotaki River to Jingoji Temple. The air is cold but pure, and when you look back at the maple tree at the entrance, the sparse leaves are fiery red, and the green moss on the stone lanterns is bright green in the sunlight. The quiet and delicate Saihoji Temple can indeed bring a touch of leisure to the busy maple viewing itinerary, without being affected by the surrounding maple viewing crowds, and appearing in a hurry.