Visiting Jōjakko-ji Temple in Kyoto: A hidden gem of red leaves in Arashiyama

Kyoto in autumn is always irresistible, and Jojakko-ji Temple in Arashiyama is a quiet and secret place during the maple viewing season. Compared to popular attractions such as Tenryuji Temple and Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, Jojakkoji Temple is less famous. However, this ancient temple hidden halfway up Mount Ogura has attracted countless travelers who know how to appreciate the beautiful autumn scenery of Kyoto with its stunning red leaves and tranquil Zen atmosphere.

This time we came when the red leaves were at their most beautiful. The moment we stepped into the temple, the red maple leaves all over the mountains and the quaint wooden temple intertwined into a poetic picture, which made people slow down and immerse themselves in this peaceful and dreamy autumn scenery.

The gate and the approach to the temple: a dreamlike entrance paved with red leaves

The entrance to Jojakko-ji Temple is not ostentatious. A stone staircase surrounded by maple leaves leads travelers to this thousand-year-old temple. The red leaves on both sides of the stone steps fluttered in the wind, and the ground seemed to be covered with a layer of bright red carpet. The sunlight penetrated the treetops and fell on the approach road. The whole scene was as poetic as a Japanese scroll.

Walk up the stone steps and you will arrive at the mountain gate. This quaint wooden door with a strong Zen feel forms a sharp contrast with the bright maple leaves around it. Standing at the door and looking inside, the red leaves all over the mountain in the temple are intertwined with the layers of wooden buildings, making people instantly feel the tranquility and beauty of Kyoto's autumn.

Main Hall and Taho Pagoda: The Ultimate Autumn View of Arashiyama

When you enter the temple, the first place you come to is the main hall. This building is hundreds of years old. The wooden structure bears the traces of time and is full of simple and solemn Zen. Standing in front of the main hall, you can enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery with layers of red maple leaves. The density of maple leaves here is extremely high, as if the entire temple is surrounded by red leaves.

Continue walking up and you will arrive at Duobao Pagoda. This vermilion tower stands on the mountainside and is one of the most representative attractions in the temple. Standing on the observation deck next to the Taho Pagoda, you can overlook the vast scenery of Arashiyama and the Hozu River. Especially in autumn, layers of red leaves cover the entire valley, forming a sharp contrast with the distant Kyoto cityscape. The picture is breathtaking, as if you are in a dream.

💞Recommendation reason: One of the most worthwhile secret places to visit during Kyoto's maple viewing season

This trip to Jojakko-ji Temple allowed me to experience the most poetic side of Kyoto in autumn. It is not as gorgeous as Kinkaku-ji Temple, nor as crowded as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, but its tranquil atmosphere and ultimate red leaf beauty make people immersed in the pure autumn colors of Kyoto.

If you want to find a place where you can quietly enjoy the red leaves, Jojakko-ji Temple is definitely one of the secret places you cannot miss during the maple viewing season in Kyoto. Especially if you visit in the early morning or at dusk, when the sun shines gently on the layers of red leaves, the quiet and brilliant scenery will make people deeply remember the beauty of Kyoto's autumn.

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