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.
- 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
Join the discussion
Mandy Bartok
10 years ago
I must have missed this in autumn, Cathy. Beautiful photos and it looks fairly uncrowded, too.
Thanks Mandy! Actually there were busloads of tourists coming and going, but this temple was pretty big, so it didn't feel crowded.
2 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
-
1Experience Oarai: A Quiet Fishing Town Blessed by the Bounty of the Sea
Ibaraki - Sponsored -
2Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
3Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours
Culture -
4Spa Resort Hawaiians: A Tropical Escape with a Japanese Soul in Iwaki
Fukushima - Sponsored -
5A Hidden Getaway in Yaizu, Shizuoka
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
6Discover Shiga Prefecture: Events at COCOSHIGA in Tokyo
Tokyo - Sponsored -
7An Intellectual Journey Through Fujita Tsuguharu’s Legacy in Akita
Akita - Sponsored -
8Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
9See Southern Japan with Kirishima As Your Gateway
Kagoshima - Sponsored -
10A Journey Through Western Kyushu
Nagasaki - Sponsored
-
1Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
2Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
3The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5Shibuya Blue Cave Illumination
Tokyo -
6Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie -
7Winter in Japan: Your Seasonal Guide
Planning -
8Bad Bunny Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour
Tokyo -
9Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
10Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba