Maple Tree Garden of Kitano Temmangu Shrine

Kyoto's Kitano Temmangu Shrine, which features about 1,500 plum trees that bloom beautifully from January to March, is also known as an autumn leaves spot.

Each autumn the shrine opens its garden to the public, allowing visitors to enjoy the colourful autumn view provided by its 150 maple trees.

The scenery is spectacular.

- red bridge under autumn leaves

- colourful leaves lined along the river

- autumn foliage in the sun

- maple leaves against the bamboo forest

- fallen leaves

There are said to be more than 10,000 “Temmangu” shrines all over Japan, and Kitano Temmangu is the head shrine of them all.

The deity enshrined in “Temmangu” shrines is SUGAWARA no Michizane, often called Tennjinn-sama, and is worshipped as the god of academic achievements.  Especially before theentrance exams season, lots of students pay a visit to Kitano and other Temmangu shrines to pray for success with their upcoming examinations.