Planning to see the fall foliage in Kaohsiung? Must-visit maple spots in Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera Temple

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network Editorial Department, compiled and reported

Nestled in the mountains of Takao in northwest Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera Temple sits at a higher elevation, making it one of the first places in the Kyoto region where you can enjoy the autumn leaves. Located on the western bank of the Kiyotaki River atop Mount Takao, the temple is reached by ascending over 300 stone steps, surrounded by a forest dominated by towering Japanese Maple trees. In late autumn, these maples turn crimson, creating a striking contrast against the green of Kyoto’s surrounding mountains and the North Mountain cypresses—vivid and beautiful, like the flowing parasols held by geisha.

The autumn foliage scattered throughout the grounds displays delicate and clear colors. The maple trees in front of the red spirit shrine are especially graceful. The Godaido Hall has been home to notable figures such as Saicho (Founder of the Tendai sect) and Kukai (Founder of the Shingon sect), who preached here. It is also the origin of Japanese Buddhism during the Heian period, giving it a prestigious status within Japanese Buddhist circles. The Godaido Hall was once destroyed by fire but was later rebuilt thanks to donations in the Showa era.