Dec 17, 2020 - 1 min read

Autumn Leaves at Shin-nyo-do

A paradise of red maples

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

Translated by Elena Daurtseva

Community writer

The ledge of the main hall resembles a painting

The shadow of the main hall makes the autumn leaves stand out

When the sun starts shining the leaves glow even brighter

There are many Gokurakuji temples in Japan, but only one true Gokurakuji, and that is Shinshougokurakuji. The beauty of the nature is all around you, being bathed by the sights and sounds of the changing of the seasons.

I came here just in time for koyo, or autumn leaves. Usually it's very quiet here, but in autumn it is filled with people strolling the grounds. It's also common to see people sitting on the ground and having their bentos, and so I should have brought a picnic lunch too! From the ground all the way to the top of three-storey pagoda, the scenery is filled with sparkling red colors under the sunlight. I could hear the leaves crunching under my feet as I walked, stunned by the radiant colors of the autumn leaves. Sometimes, maple leaves would sway in the wind and glisten even more. I kept strolling and enjoying the views, mesmerised by the view of the bell tower standing tall in the autumn landscape.

Gokurakuji is located to the west of Ginkakuji Temple. Cross the main road, Kitashirakawa-dori, and go up a narrow alley, which weaves through the neighborhood. Soon you'll be at the backyard of the main hall at Gokurakuji.