I was on my way to do something when a pair of maple trees in full autumn color commanded my attention. There was a dark red torii gate between them and a stairway leading up the small hill the trees stood on. I couldn’t resist a look, and then I couldn’t believe what I’d stumbled upon. The name upon the gate’s plaque read, “Horide Shrine,” with the kanji for to dig and come or go out. Appropriate as this area used to be an oil field with quite a few wells. Walking up the stairs and into the shelter of some still green trees trees provided me some relief from the bucketing November rain. More color awaited me in the main grounds. Trees with leaves of lava provided a great backdrop to the shrine’s many statues, stone lanterns and tablets. But a burst of color in a stand of pine trees off to right yielded one of the sparkliest diamonds I’ve yet discovered in Niigata, a small and shallow pond ringed with maple trees, every single one burning red or yellow. It was exactly what was advertised in travel brochures in America.
- 2 min read
Horide Shrine
An autumn foliage gem stone
By Bryan Baier
Community writer
Explore nearby
Join the discussion
Kim Bergström
6 years ago
I'm always on the hunt for good koyo spots nearby and this looks incredible! Those colors are so vibrant.
Glad you enjoyed it, Ben. There's snow on the ground here now so I'll have to go and see it again. I feel another photo story coming
Ben Humphreys
12 years ago
Wonderful set Bryan. Both sakura and koyo seasons, my favourite times to be in Japan!
3 comments 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
Miyakejima: An Island Adventure From Land to Sea
Tokyo - Sponsored -
2
Kurabito Stay Wins Grand Prize at the Japan Travel Awards 2025
Planning -
3
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Activities -
4
Kusatsu Onsen Tops Onsen Rankings for 2025
News -
5
Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan Japan Tour
Culture -
6
Osaka E-Pass
Osaka -
7
Hokkaido Named a Destination to Watch in 2025
Culture -
8
6 Must-See Winter Destinations in Nikko
Tochigi -
9
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo’s New Executive Lounge and “The Pagoda in the Clouds”
Tokyo - Sponsored -
10
Historic Nara Sites Aim to Join UNESCO List
Nara
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba -
3
January Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
4
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
5
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
6
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
7
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
8
March Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka)
Osaka -
9
Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie -
10
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture