Yamashina District, Kyoto [SPOT REPORT]

Monday, November 21st, after an evening of light rain, mostly cloudy

Not far off the beaten path, one station East of Kyoto on JR Biwako Line (and Kyohan Kyotsu Line), is Yamashina Station. It is a much quieter part of the city and the trains mostly emptied out when we stopped at Kyoto Station. From Himeji and Umeda, there are special rapid JR trains which stop at Yamashina.

There is only one exit from the JR station, and if you turn left, then left again in front of the Starbucks, there is a tunnel going under the tracks. Head straight up the mountains towards Bishamondo. From the Kyohan station, turn right first.

There is no fee at Bishamondo unless you want to enter the temple to look around inside (500 yen).

The outside is the interesting part. It's a well kept temple with bright paint and looks like it would also be beautiful in spring - there are wisteria vines and cherry blossom trees. We saw a couple or two taking wedding photos. We stopped by a little shop that has pricy bento and sweets; buying either will allow you to sit inside and enjoy the great view. Other than that, there is a vending machine next to the cafe and public toilets. There are several restaurants and a convenience store in front of the station.

There is a smaller temple called Sorinin which is the area most of my photos are from. It's beside a neglected cemetery with mossy stone lanterns and the ground is carpeted with red maple leaves. There are other small temples in the area.

If you are looking for large maple trees, mountain views, and not much of a crowd, this is the place. I'd say we went at the perfect time, although there is still some time left where it will be colorful based on the remaining greenish and yellow leaves.

Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/JQBW4DN6gBBn2i2u7