Jingo-ji Temple is a renowned spot for maple viewing in the Takao area. Although it is not listed as a World Cultural Heritage site, it has a relatively high reputation. However, in September, you won’t be able to see a full blanket of red maple leaves. Even in the mountainous city of Takao, it’s the same.
After getting off the JR bus at “Yamashiro Takao”, you can see the entrance to Jingo-ji Temple right across the street.
Since Jingo-ji Temple is located on another mountain, you must first descend into the valley and then climb up another mountain.
After coming down to the valley, you can see this red bridge.
The rain at this time is unbelievably heavy.
Once the rain subsides a bit, I’ll start climbing up. Since there are quite a few steps, I suggest taking it easy. Fortunately, there is a tea house here where you can rest and have a meal.
Starting to climb uphill.
Halfway through the journey, there is this tea house in Takao (actually, there is another one called Suzuriishitei, but it’s closed).
I have arrived at Jingo-ji Temple. Perhaps due to the lack of visitors in September, coupled with heavy rain, the monks here are actually dozing off. I feel a bit embarrassed, but I have no choice but to disturb their sleep and purchase a ticket for entry.
The map of Jingo-ji Temple, I feel that the autumn scenery with the mountains covered in red maple leaves must be incredibly beautiful~
Come in, and then encountered a heavy rain, so I had to stop again.
In September, some maple leaves turn yellow.
I started exploring inside and this is the “Wake no Kiyomaro’s mausoleum”, yes, it is a “temple”…. should refer to Wake no Kiyomaro (Japanese: 和気清麻呂). It is said that Wake no Kiyomaro was one of the founding heroes of the Heian period and a loyal vassal. Originally, Jingo-ji Temple was a combination of “Jingan-ji Temple” and “Takaosan-ji Temple”, and Jingan-ji Temple was built by Wake no Kiyomaro.
Take a look back at the entrance,
This is Godaido Hall.
The Stairway to Golden Hall
Golden Hall
Looking down from Golden Hall, you can see the Godaido Hall and the Bishamondo Hall.
It turns out that in Japan, maple leaves can also be seen with “wings”.
Master Hall
Bishamondo Hall
Soon, I finished reading and noticed a nearby “Jingoji Temple Honbo”.
Inside, it’s small and feels like a little garden.
The tea house at Jingo-ji Temple had already closed when I left. What a pity! I wanted to have a warm bowl of red bean soup before heading down the mountain. Also, I couldn’t find a place to return the dishes. Sigh, this trip seems quite unsuccessful… XD
For more Kyoto attractions, please refer to the Kansai attractions page.
Jingo-ji Temple (Official Website)
Ticket: ¥500
Opening hours: 09:00~16:00
Address: 5 Bango, Takaocho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City
Transportation: Take the JR bus to “Yamashiro Takao” or Kyoto City bus No. 8 to “Takao” and walk for about 30 minutes.
Map:
『Original Source：https://nicklee.tw/1098/』
