This day's maple viewing trip came to the Misao area of Kaohsiung in Kyoto. Although I felt a little tired after walking through the vast red foliage scenery of Jingoji Temple, since I took an hour's drive to Kaohsiung, how could I only see Jingoji Temple? Along the way towards the bus stop, you might as well take a detour to the exquisite and tranquil Ximing Temple to have a look. This hidden maple viewing spot adds a leisurely atmosphere to busy schedules. It is far away from the hustle and bustle of crowds, allowing people to enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery at a more relaxed pace.
Transportation and itinerary to Ximing Temple
The best way to get to Kyoto Makiozan Saimyoji Temple is to take the JR West Bus "Kaohsiung-Keihoku Line". The one-way fare is 520 yen. It is recommended to purchase the "Kaohsiung Furi Pass" (Kaohsiung one-day pass), which costs 800 yen each. , the drive takes about 50 minutes. After arriving at Makinoo Bus Stop, it takes 5-10 minutes to walk to Saimyoji Temple.
If your physical strength allows, it is recommended to visit Jingoji Temple, Ximeiji Temple and Takayama Temple in one day, in sequence, or in reverse order. There are JR bus stops around these three temples. We got off at Yamashiro Kaohsiung Station, visited Jingoji Temple first, and then walked to the back gate of Saimyoji Temple to enter. After the tour, we left through the main gate. Due to lack of physical strength, we took the bus from Makinoo Station back to Kyoto. (JR West Japan Bus[Kaohsiung.Keihoku Line] ► Route introduction.route map)
▲ Kaohsiung.The route map of the Beijing-North Line will operate extra flights during the maple viewing period.
Introduction to Makio-san Saimyoji Temple
Kyoto Makiozan Saimyoji Temple (さいみょうじ) is located in the Misao area of Ukyo District, Kyoto. The mountain name is Makiozan (まきおざん), also known as Pingxinwangin (びょうどうしんのういん). It is as famous as Kaohsiung Sanjingoji Temple and Takaosan Takayama Temple, and together they are known as Sanwei's famous red foliage attractions. Saimeiji Temple was founded in 1275 by Tomosen, a disciple of Kobo Daishi, and belongs to the Daikakuji School of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. It is not only an excellent place to enjoy maple leaves, but also a good place to learn about the history and Buddhist culture of Kyoto.
The ancestor of the Daikakuji sect of Shingon Buddhism is Kobo Daishi, whose headquarters is located in Daikakuji Temple in Arashiyama. In fact, the Kaohsiung area is adjacent to Lanshan, and there are roads connecting the two places. However, regular bus routes go to Arashiyama and Kaohsiung respectively, and tourists usually visit these two areas separately. Only tour group buses will arrange itineraries connecting the two places. Therefore, individual travelers usually need to plan their trips to Lanshan and Kaohsiung separately.
Maple Appreciation Experience at Ximing Temple
After a leisurely stroll around Jingoji Temple and a meal at the restaurant, pay attention to the signs along the way as you descend the mountain. It will be easy to find directions to Saimeiji Temple. Walk along Route 138 to Ximing Temple. It is recommended to turn left on the way and enter the path leading to the back door. You can also buy a ticket to enter the back door, so there is no need to take a long way to the main entrance.
After entering from the back gate of Ximing Temple, you can fully tour the entire temple area by walking straight along the road, and finally leave from the main gate. You can then continue to Takayamaji Temple or take the bus back to Kyoto. Compared with the vast Jingoji Temple, Ximeiji Temple is smaller in scale, but the scenery is exquisite and diverse, and there are fewer tourists, so it is suitable to enjoy it slowly. There are plenty of seats inside the temple, and the tranquility here is relaxing after walking through the crowded Jingoji Temple. Perhaps because we visited closer to evening, the atmosphere was quieter.
▲ The main entrance of Ximing Temple.
▲ The entrance to the main entrance is the main temple building, and the red leaf landscape is the area leading to the back entrance on the left.
▲ The red leaves at the main gate of Ximing Temple are accompanied by the view of the bell tower.
▲ Go to the trail of admiring the maple at the back door. Stone chairs are set up along the way for rest.
▲ The small and exquisite temple area is more suitable for slow travel and savoring maple viewing compared to the crowds of Shenhu Temple.
▲ You can enter directly from the back door and purchase tickets directly at the back door ticket booth.
▲ At the back entrance of Ximing Temple, there is a small ticket booth next to it.
▲ The stream in front of the main gate of Ximing Temple.
▲ Prepare to take the bus back to Kyoto. As for the mountain temple further afield, see you next time!
Comprehensive review: Sanwei is the perfect place for a rest and a quiet stop
Ximeiji Temple is located between Jingoji Temple and Takayama Temple. Although the temple area is relatively small, the landscape is very rich. Before arriving at the main entrance, visitors can enjoy the charming scenery of red bridges, red leaves and streams. The red leaf trails on both sides of the temple make people feel more leisurely, and the red leaf scenery at the back door is even more stunning. Whether it’s the location of the temple or the style of the landscape, Saimyoji Temple is an ideal stop on your maple viewing itinerary in the Misao area.
Extended reading》《Jingoji Temple: The famous place for autumn leaves on the Kaohsiung Mountain and beside the Kiyotaki River in Kyoto"
Ximing Temple in Makiwei Mountain, Kaohsiung.さいみょうじ
- Address: 1 Umehata Makiocho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Phone: +81 75-861-1770
- 拜觀時間：09:00-17:00， 12月31日-1月1日(休日)
- Admission fee: 500 yen/adult, 400 yen/college students, elementary school students
