One of my greatest pleasures while living in Kyoto was to take long rambling bicycle rides. One autumn day, after visiting crowded Tofukuji, I headed into the streets on the lower slopes of the Higashiyama Hills, just to see what was there. I found many pretty autumn scenes. Most intriguing was the entrance to Imakuma-no-Kannonji, with it's striking red bridge. I didn't enter the temple that day. I thought I could continue exploring, and return to visit another day. The back streets of Kyoto are full of wonderful surprises. They never disappoint me.
- 1 min read
Lost in Southern Higashiyama
Cycling Higashiyama's back streets in autumn

By Cathy Cawood
Community writer

A very inviting road!

Wet maple leaves on the road

This road seems to lead into the mountains

Torii at the entrance to a shrine I couldn't even find on Google Maps!

Red and yellow maple trees side by side on the hill

A red bridge high in the trees

Graveyard on the hillside

Row of almost leafless bonsai trees against the wall of a wooden house

A small gully filled with autumn color

Very small Ojizo dwarfed by its large red and white shelter

Red bridge at the entrance to Imakuma-no-Kannonji

Entrance to Imakuma-no-Kannonji

Autumn leaves form a colorful background

Stone lanterns flank the road as it emerges from the shadow of the trees into the sunlight

Baseball players head home after a game
Join the discussion
Victoria Vlisides
9 years ago
Beautiful photos to view on this rainy day! :)
1 comment 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
-
1
Osaka Noh Festa
Osaka - Sponsored -
2
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
3
Japanese Eels: Your Guide to Unagi & Anago
Food -
4
Summer with Pokémon at Grand Hyatt Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
6
Aichi Awaits: Seven Authentic Experiences Beyond Nagoya
Aichi - Sponsored -
7
An Enriching Getaway in Ome City
Tokyo - Sponsored -
8
Kurashiki One of Asia's Best Cities to Explore on Foot
Okayama -
9
Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba -
10
25 Authentic Activities in Minobu
Yamanashi - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
5
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo -
9
Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri
Tokyo -
10
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa