Shiga

Sep 15, 2014 - 1 min read

Autumn leaves at Saimyo-ji

Colorful maples illuminate an old temple in Shiga

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

The grey wall and gate contrast with fiery colors

Two tour guides climbing the steps to the gate

Blood red maple behind the bell tower

Statue with red maple leaves

Maple leaves, moss and stones

Graceful three-tier pagoda

Yellow leaves around the pagoda

Maple leaves on thick green moss

Maple and early sakura together in early December

Maple trees blaze behind the wall

Stepping stones draw the eye toward bursts of color among the trees

A scattering of maple leaves

A tapestry of color almost covers the pond under the maple trees

This temple is one of the three 'Koto Sanzan' (old Tendai Bhuddist temples) located in the Suzuka mountain range in Shiga Prefecture. It is a very beautiful temple, especially when the colors of autumn light up the trees in and around the grounds. There is a three tier pagoda and a pretty enclosed garden with a pond.

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Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok 11 years ago

I must have missed this in autumn, Cathy. Beautiful photos and it looks fairly uncrowded, too.

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Cathy Cawood

Cathy Cawood Photographer 10 years ago

Thanks Mandy! Actually there were busloads of tourists coming and going, but this temple was pretty big, so it didn't feel crowded.

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