The Ozawa Pond transforms into a mirror of water — the fiery maple leaves of Kyoto’s Daikaku-ji Temple are reflected on the lake surface, creating a picturesque scene.

Text & Photos /Kavanah

Having previously introduced the maple leaves, cherry blossoms, and moon viewing at Daikaku-ji, this article focuses on the temple’s night maple view, “Crimson Water Mirror.” Among all the night maple experiences I’ve had in Kyoto, Daikaku-ji’s is truly one of the most spectacular. With the lights turned on, the scenery reflected on the Ozawa Pond is simply breathtaking.

First, here’s a brief introduction to Daikaku-ji:
The history of Daikaku-ji dates back to the early Heian period when Emperor Saga established the “Saga-in Detached Palace” here for his marriage. Later, in 876 AD, Emperor Saga’s grandson, the monk Prince Takaoka, founded “Daikaku-ji.” From then until the early Meiji era, the temple functioned as a “monzeki” temple — a prestigious institution traditionally headed by members of the Imperial family, such as those at Sanzen-in or Shoren-in. It has long been a prominent and highly respected temple. The temple grounds feature Japan’s oldest existing garden pond. During the annual maple leaf season, many visitors come to admire the foliage. Visit Dates: November 28, 2013 / December 7, 2013.

Night Special Viewing “Crimson Water Mirror” — This year’s viewing period is from Friday, November 14, 2014, to Sunday, December 7, 2014, daily from 17:30 to 20:30 (ticket sales end at 20:00). Admission is 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for children.

Ozawa Pond is an artificial lake created by diverting a stream into a low-lying area and building a dam. It is the oldest garden pond in Japan. During the “Crimson Water Mirror” event, lights are illuminated along the shore, turning the calm surface of the pond into a mirror that perfectly reflects the scenery on the banks, creating a truly enchanting view.

I visited Daikaku-ji twice during last year’s maple viewing season to admire the night maple. The first time, I didn’t bring a lens with a wide aperture, so the photos turned out just okay. When I visited again in early December, I got smart — I brought a wide-angle lens with a large aperture. The resulting photos were definitely much more satisfying than the previous ones.

The iconic Shingon Pagoda of Daikaku-ji — the nearby liberation pond also turns into a water mirror, perfectly reflecting the night maple and the pagoda. The name “Crimson Water Mirror” really suits it well.

The Shingon Pagoda and the maple-lit night around it.

The maple tunnel near the Shingon Pagoda — this is the most densely packed and beautiful maple area within the Daikaku-ji grounds.

Visiting Information for Daikaku-ji:
Visiting Hours: 09:00 to 17:00 (ticket sales end at 16:30)
Admission: 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for children
Night Maple (Autumn Leaf Illumination): Night Special Viewing “Crimson Water Mirror”
Night Maple Period: Friday, November 14, 2014, to Sunday, December 7, 2014
Visiting Hours: 17:30 to 20:30 (ticket sales end at 20:00)
Admission: 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for children
Transportation:
Take the city bus and get off at “Daikaku-ji.”

About 17 minutes on foot from JR “Saga-Arashiyama” Station.