Not worth the time on transportation and the entrance fee. The round trip took hours, and the entrance fee is 1000 yen. The actual foliage was extremely sparse and scattered—inside the garden there was only one small red-leafed tree about half a person’s height, and most of the other trees are completely unappealing. Even free community parks in other cities have far more beautiful and dense autumn colors.
For comparison, places like Eikando charge the same 1000 yen but consistently deliver stunning, vibrant foliage. This temple’s reputation seems much greater than its actual visual experience. Unless you are nearby or just passing, I would not recommend making a special trip here for autumn leaves.
光明寺（こうみょうじ）: A Tranquil Oasis in Kyoto
🌸 Historical Significance and Spiritual Legacy
Komyo-ji Temple, nestled in the serene city of Nagaokakyo, Kyoto Prefecture, holds a special place in Japanese Buddhism. Founded in 1198 by the warrior Kumagai Naozane, a devoted disciple of the revered Buddhist Master Honen, this temple has witnessed centuries of devotion and enlightenment. It serves as the head temple of the Nishiyama Jodo sect, a branch of Pure Land Buddhism.
🏯 Architectural Gems and Natural Beauty
Main Niomon Gate: Constructed in 1248, this gate stands as a testament to the temple’s historical significance. It was designated a National Treasure in 1954.
Maple Path: During autumn, the approach to Komyo-ji transforms into a vibrant tunnel of fall colors. The 200-meter-long path, flanked by brilliant red maple trees, captivates visitors with its seasonal beauty.
Mie Hall: Inside, you’ll find an exquisite collection of Buddhist artwork and statues. Notably, the principal statue, made of papier-mâché, is said to have been crafted by Honen himself, using a letter from his mother.
🍂 Fall Leaves Season
While admission to Komyo-ji is usually free, during the enchanting fall foliage season, a ¥500 fee applies. The temple opens its gates from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every day. Remember to explore the “women’s slope” and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this hidden gem.
🌿 Enriching Experience
Whether you seek spiritual solace, historical insights, or simply a peaceful escape, Komyo-ji awaits your visit. Let the rustling leaves and ancient whispers guide you through its sacred grounds.
Note: Various pavilions, including the main hall, are currently under renovation until 2028 to celebrate the 850th anniversary of the Jodo sect’s founding.
To be fair it has a great view of autumn leaves, but not worth it because:
1) It's 40 mins train + bus + walk from Kyoto station. Even if you do it as a detour from Osaka to Kyoto (which I did), it still adds 40 mins to the trip. So many temples within 20 mins from Kyoto offers similar if not better view.
2) The entrance fee is 1000 yen. For comparison, Kiyomizu-dera only ask for 500 yen. Eikando and Tofukuji ask for 1000 yen as well, but offers a lot more to see.
3) They literally turned the temple into a flea market during autumn leaves season. Not just some food stand right at the entrance or exit like other temple, half of the temple is turned into souvenir stands, except just a few photo spot.
The only above and beyond part is they offer free luggage storage (even for large suitcases) and the crew were very nice. This is a life savor to me because the closest train station (nagaokakyo) has no coin locker at all.
We visited on 5th December and the fall foliage was very beautiful. The entrance fee was 1000Y and it was worth it. Not crowded at all so we didn’t have to compete for photos.
