[Autumn leaves are in full bloom!🍁] I went to the famous maple leaf spot ``Shohoji Temple in InabeCity'' to go maple picking!

Shohoji is a Zen temple of the Myoshinji sect of the Rinzai sect, which has a history of 1,200 years.

InabeCity, where Shohoji Temple is located, and its surrounding area have long been known as a famous spot for autumn leaves, and it is said that when you think of maple leaves, you think of Shohoji Temple.

As you climb the approximately 300 steps from the foot of the mountain, you will be greeted by a beautiful landscape that will wipe away your fatigue. Don't forget to admire the maple leaves and pray 🙏

If you don't feel comfortable climbing the stairs, there is a parking lot right below the shrine grounds where you can park about a dozen cars.

(See the end of the article for details about parking.)

The garden at Shohoji Temple is shaped like a pond, so you can walk around the pond and enjoy the maple leaves from various angles. The history of this garden, which represents the Pure Land of Paradise, is said to date back to the Heian period.

It is truly picturesque and beautiful no matter what angle you look at it. Please look back from time to time. You'll be able to see other views that you've missed.

And at Kagami Pond next to Jodo Pond, the reflection of the trees in the pond is beautiful✨ (Due to the leaves falling into the pond, it may be difficult to see the reflection depending on the angle.)

No matter how many times I see the autumn leaves at Shohoji Temple, it's amazing, so I ended up walking around the pond three times.

I visited on November 25, 2023. There were many blue maples, so it looks like we can still enjoy the autumn leaves for a while.

Beautiful maple trees are also planted along the stairs.

The stairs are a little long at about 300 steps, but the incline is not steep, so it's a good exercise. Please climb slowly while looking at the maple leaves.

The garden at Shohoji Temple is beautiful even when the leaves are not in autumn, and the green scenery is also recommended.

The reflection in Kagami Pond at this time of year is also very beautiful!

Shooting date: September 2023

Narutaniyama Shohoji Temple

〇Location: 981 Sakamoto, Fujiwara-cho, InabeCity, Mie Prefecture

〇Telephone number 0594-46-8101

Homepage https://www.shoubouji.com/

〇Viewing hours 9:00-17:00

◯Toilet available

〇Access by car

・About 25 minutes by car from Tokai Kanjo Expressway "Daian IC"

・About 45 minutes by car from Higashi-Meihan Expressway "Kuwana IC"

・About 35 minutes by car from Meishin Expressway "Sekigahara IC"

◯Access by train

Approximately 20 minutes walk from Nishi-Fujiwara Station on the Sangi Railway Sigi Line

〇Parking lot

・Located next to and around Narutani Shrine at the foot of Shohoji Temple (parking fee is 300 yen).

If you are climbing the stairs, it is convenient to park in the parking lot next to Narutani Shrine.

You can climb the stairs next to Narutani Shrine. A door has been installed to prevent wild animals from entering.

・ There is also a parking lot near the entrance to the temple grounds (parking fee: 300 yen). To get to this parking lot, go through a narrow mountain road.

* There is no admission fee, but please help us by making a donation for the maintenance so that the beautiful garden can continue to exist forever 🙏

* Please note that there will be no illumination.