Zhenyudang, located in Sakyo District, Kyoto City, is a quiet ancient temple hidden in the bustling city. Every autumn, the maple trees all over the temple gradually turn red, creating a beautiful autumn scene that attracts countless tourists. Compared with other well-known maple viewing spots, Zhenyudang has a more secluded atmosphere because of its privacy. It is suitable for tourists who want to stay away from the hustle and bustle and watch the red leaves leisurely. Whether you are strolling along the temple paths or stopping in the gardens, the red leaves create a tranquil beauty that makes people feel peaceful. It is one of the must-see maple viewing spots in Kyoto in autumn.
How to get to Kyoto Shinrudo?
The recommended route for visiting Zhenru Hall is usually to enter from the gate, but this time we chose to start from the path behind Zhenru Hall. This reverse route not only adds interest to the visit, but also avoids the peak of the tour group. After visiting the temple, you can also stop by the Okazaki Post Office in Kyoto and pick out postcards and red envelopes with Japanese characteristics as souvenirs. These Japan Post products are both affordable and commemorative, and are highly recommended. Transportation methods to Zhenrutang:
- Kyoto Municipal Bus: Get off at Shinyodo-mae Station and walk for about 6 minutes; get off at Kinrin Garage-mae Station and walk for about 8 minutes
- Bus route from Kyoto Station: Take bus No. 100, No. 5 or No. 17 and get off at Shinyodōmae Station
- Keihan Jingu Shrine Marutamachi Station: About 27 minutes’ walk away
- Keihan Demachi Yanagi Station: About 10 minutes’ walk away
▲ After arriving at Zhenrutangqian station, we are ready to go to see the charming maple leaves.
▲ This direction is the small trail behind Zhenru, and you can already see the light and shadow of the red maple.
▲ The reason why Zhenrutang is so popular is that this piece of Fenglin can be filmed completely free of charge.
▲ We are very lucky. There are various maple leaves on the treetops, which are very beautiful.
▲ The camera is ready, there are great scenes everywhere!
A Guide to Autumn Viewing at Shinyodo in Kyoto: The Perfect Combination of Cultural Heritage and Beautiful Autumn Leaves
Zhenyudang's official name is Zhenyudang Temple, however, the main hall is more commonly known as Zhennyudang. The hall enshrines a statue of Amitabha Tathagata made by Enren (Master Cijue), the last envoy to the Tang Dynasty. The temple was destroyed during the Yingren Rebellion. After several moves, it was finally rebuilt at its current location. The three-story pagoda in front of the main hall is about 30 meters high. It is a representative building of the Edo period and is designated as a cultural property of Kyoto Prefecture. Cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn make this an ideal location for photographing. When we visited, many local residents, especially Japanese aunties, picked up their mobile phones to take photos with the Triple Tower, which shows its popularity.
▲ This was taken on 11/29, when most of the maple leaves on the tree had fallen to the ground.But there are still colorful lights and shadows in the sun.
▲ This year, I saw someone on Facebook saying that this place has already been seen. As I want to share this time, in fact, as long as the weather is good, the leaves are still very beautiful. This is very different from cherry blossom viewing.
▲Are there many tourists?After a while, we learned one thing later, that is, to wait.Don't push the time and schedule too tightly, sit down and enjoy the atmosphere quietly.
▲ Let the camera in hand record the most beautiful moment.
▲ The main hall is paid to visit, 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for high school students, and free for elementary school students.
▲ Hmm!I must admit that I love these sunny scenery very much...I really don’t love the maple leaves on rainy days~
▲ I squatted in a small corner for these two pictures. I waited for about 10 minutes before I took the picture with a little nobody.
▲ Encountered a group of Japanese tourists with uncles and aunts who were preparing to enter the main hall.
▲ A colleague taught me that I must find the most beautiful and complete one when shooting flowers, but as long as the time is right, there are too many and complete maple leaves. I don't care about it later, I just want to shoot.
▲ In fact, we are walking backwards all the way, and this matcha house can also order a refreshment to sit and rest.
▲ This is the entrance to Zhenrutang. According to the logic, we have to go all the way from here to the inside of the hall.
▲ There are some ginkgo in Zhenrutang that can be photographed, and the ground will be mixed with ginkgo and maple leaves.
▲ This is the entrance of Zhenrutang.
▲ The only advantage of our walk is that we can just avoid the crowds and be able to photograph this prosperous maple red.
▲I hope that after introducing this attraction, everyone would like to visit Zhenrutang next time when arranging the maple viewing.
Kyoto Zhenyudang
- Address: 82, Jodoji Shinocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Phone: 075-771-0915
- Opening hours: 09: 00-16: 00
- Official website: http://shin-nyo-do.jp/
