What other travelers are saying about Keisokuji Temple, Nagahama
A must visit to see autumn leaves 🍂. Very crowded but very beautiful. Highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
The optimal time to visit Keisokuji Temple is during mid-November to late November when the autumn foliage reaches its peak. This is when the temple's famous 200 maple trees create the spectacular "carpet of red maple" effect along the historic stone pathway. While the temple is accessible year-round from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the autumn season offers the most dramatic and photogenic experience that has made this location renowned throughout Japan.
From Kinomoto Station, you have three transportation options: take a 10-minute taxi ride directly to the temple, walk for approximately one hour, or take a bus bound for Kaneihara and get off at Furuhashi bus stop, followed by a 15-minute walk. Note that Kinomoto Station has limited service with only one train per hour, so careful planning is essential for your visit.
No, entry to Keisokuji Temple is free of charge. The temple grounds are open to the public without any admission fees, making it an accessible destination for all visitors. However, it's recommended to verify current access conditions before traveling, as the remote location can sometimes affect availability.
The original temple buildings no longer exist, as Keisokuji Temple was abandoned toward the end of the Edo period (1600-1867) after enjoying prosperity for over a millennium since its founding by priest Gyoki in 735 AD. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved temple ruins, including moss-covered stone retaining walls, ancient steps, and the historic stone pathway that creates the framework for the famous autumn foliage display.
A complete visit to Keisokuji Temple typically takes approximately one hour. This allows sufficient time to walk the historic stone pathway beneath the maple tree canopy, explore the temple ruins with their moss-covered stone walls, and enjoy photography opportunities. The contemplative nature of the site encourages a leisurely pace, making it an ideal stop for those seeking a peaceful retreat into nature and history.
We came here last saturday 11-12-23. After 4 years they are now open to public. This is our second time here. Before you came here make sure you have your reservation, you can also buy your tickets online. I love the colors of autumn specially momiji, I want to see the red carpet of momiji’s falling leaves, but i was bet disappointed, red, orange or yellow colors are not yet in bloom, maybe because of long summer days. The weather condition affect the delay of folliage. But still we enjoy the beauty of nature. The amazing God’s creation.
Great hidden foliage spot in Shiga (really hidden because it only opens once a year, during foliage season). Vast area, many rest area. You need to walk quite a lot so wear comfortable shoes. Also need to book for parking slot in advance if you’re driving.
Highly recommended!
We visited just after 1pm on a three-day weekend.
The area was congested.
You will be directed to either Ishido-ji Temple's parking lot or the temporary second parking lot.
We were directed to Ishido-ji Temple.
There were plenty of security guards on hand to guide us smoothly.
Parking is free.
After leaving the parking lot, we walked to Keisoku-ji Temple, and the autumn leaves along the way were beautiful.
There were also tea fields, which were very picturesque.
The autumn leaves were...beautiful, but it felt like they'd passed their peak.
The red carpet we were looking forward to was brown.
It would have been beautiful if we had come a week earlier.
A contribution of 500 yen per person is required.
For 500 yen, it was a very pleasant walk.
Keisokuji Temple is one of the Eight Views of Hubei. The autumn foliage is beautiful. It was originally located near the summit of Mt. Kodaka, but is now located on the site of the former Hanpukuji Temple. Part of the approach to the temple is a deciduous forest preservation area and is off-limits to the public, but thanks to this, the temple is completely covered in fallen leaves, creating a beautiful maple leaf landscape. The unique name Keisokuji Temple is said to have come from the story of how the head priest heard the crowing of a rooster, went outside, and found a trail of footprints, which he followed to the head of the Kannon statue.
