When I lived in Kyoto, I sometimes walked a network of trails in the Higashiyama hills, starting from Rokusho Shrine near my home in Yamashina. There were several destinations to choose from, including Shogunzuka, Keage, and Chishaku-in. Unfortunately there were no English signs, so I usually just followed my nose to see what I could find. The scenery is lovely at any time of year, but maybe autumn was my favorite!
- 1 min read
Autumn in the hills of Higashiyama
Following a hiking trail from Rokusho Shrine

By Cathy Cawood
Community writer

Red maple trees contrast with green bamboo

One place to start is at ___ Shrine in Yamashina Kitakazan

The beginning of the trail

View over Yamashina

The early part of the trail leads through bamboo forest

Yellow leaves catch sunlight filtered by the tall bamboo

Acorns and berries

A lovely autumn view of Kyoto's blue mountains

Yellow trees behind a rustic wooden fence

Glorious maple leaves!

There is an observatory near the top

Pyracantha berries

Following the trail

One red maple leaf among yellow leaves

The trail leads through a kind of gate
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