The Lesser-Known Seimei Temple: An Absolute Must-Visit for Kyoto’s Autumn Leaves

Photo & Text /Kavanagh

Located in the Takao area in the northwest of Kyoto city, it is one of the earliest spots in Kyoto where the maple leaves reach their peak color. Most visitors to the Takao area head to either Kozan-ji or Shōgo-in for autumn foliage, but Seimei-ji, nestled between the two temples, is often overlooked due to its lack of fame.

When I visited Takao the previous year, I didn’t have much time, and the autumn foliage season was already nearing its end, so I only lingered at the entrance of Seimei-ji, snapped a few photos, and didn’t go inside. But this year (2013), I visited Takao right when the leaves were at their most vibrant, so I decided to skip Kozan-ji, which I had already visited (to be honest, there weren’t many maple leaves there…), and instead check out Seimei-ji, which I hadn’t yet been to.

Date of visit: 2013.11.20.

I took a JR bus and got off at the “Ishidera” stop, then walked for about 10 minutes to reach the entrance of Seimei-ji.

The bridge at the entrance spans the clear stream, and both the bridge and the view of the mountains from the other side make for excellent photo spots.

Entrance fee for mountain viewing: 500 yen.

Next, there’s a short flight of stone steps to climb...

The mountain gate of Seimei-ji~

Seimei-ji was established in 832 AD (the 9th year of the Tenchō era) by the disciple of Kūkai, Master Chisen, and was originally named “Byōdō Shinō-in.” The current temple buildings were constructed in 1700 (the 13th year of the Genroku era during the Edo period) under the patronage of Lady Kasuga, the consort of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate~

The maple leaves at Seimei-ji aren’t particularly bright red—most are a golden yellow. Perhaps it’s because the temple is located in a valley and doesn’t get as much sunlight!?

The maple tree next to the bell tower is arguably the most beautiful and spectacular red leaf scenery within the temple grounds.

The temple grounds of Seimei-ji are not very large—you can tour the whole area in about 20 minutes. I exited through the back side gate, walked along the stream, and then headed to my next destination, Shōgo-in.

[Seimei-ji Visit Information]
Visiting Hours: 09:00–17:00
Admission Fee: 500 yen

Transportation: Take the Kyoto City Bus to “Takao” and walk 10 minutes, or take the JR Bus to “Ishidera” and walk 5 minutes.Kavanagh