11月16日、今日は亀岡の鍬山神社へもみじ狩りに行ってきました。鍬山神社は「矢田の紅葉」とも呼ばれる紅葉の名所として知られています。京都の紅葉スポットはあらかた巡ったつもりでいましたが、実は鍬山神社は初めて。どんな感じか、楽しみに向かいました。

午前中に準備を済ませ、JRで亀岡駅へ。紅葉シーズンになると、亀岡駅から鍬山神社まで直通のシャトルバスが運行されており、今回はそのバスを利用しました。乗車時間は15分ほどで、かなりアクセスがいい！

バスを降りると、すぐ目の前に鍬山神社の鳥居がお出迎え。参道を進み、拝観料300円を支払って境内の奥へ。受付で見頃かどうか尋ねたところ、「今が一番いい時期ですよ」と嬉しい言葉をいただき、期待が一気に高まりました。

境内に入ってみると、まさにその言葉どおり。境内全体が紅葉に包まれているかのように色づいており、鮮やかな赤色が視界いっぱいに広がります。多くの観光客が訪れていましたが、京都市内の有名紅葉スポットほど混雑はしておらず、ゆったり散策できたのも良かった点です。

1時間ほど写真を撮ったり眺めたりしながら、存分に鍬山神社の紅葉を満喫したあと、再びシャトルバスで亀岡駅へ戻り、そのまま帰路につきました。見頃はしばらく続きそうですが、ピークはおそらく来週くらいまででしょうか。京都はこれからが紅葉本番なので、またいろいろ見に行こうと思います。ではでは。


Perfect Timing for Autumn Colors! Enjoying the Fall Foliage at Kuwayama Shrine in Kameoka

On November 16th, I went to Kuwayama Shrine in Kameoka to enjoy the autumn leaves. Kuwayama Shrine is known as one of the best spots for fall foliage in the area, sometimes referred to as the “Yada no Momiji.” Although I’ve visited many of Kyoto’s famous autumn spots, this was actually my first time at Kuwayama Shrine. I was excited to see what it would be like.

After getting ready in the morning, I took the JR train to Kameoka Station. During the peak foliage season, a direct shuttle bus runs from Kameoka Station to the shrine, and this time I decided to use it. The ride took about 15 minutes—surprisingly convenient.

As soon as I stepped off the bus, the shrine’s torii gate appeared right in front of me. I walked along the approach, paid the 300-yen admission fee, and headed deeper into the grounds. I asked at the reception whether the leaves were at their peak, and they told me, “This is the best time to see them right now,” which immediately raised my expectations.

Once inside, it was exactly as they said. The entire shrine grounds were glowing with vibrant autumn colors, with brilliant reds spreading out in every direction. Many visitors were there, but it wasn’t nearly as crowded as the famous spots in central Kyoto, so I could take my time strolling around—another nice bonus.

After spending about an hour taking photos and soaking in the scenery, I hopped back on the shuttle bus to Kameoka Station and headed home. The peak should last for a little while longer, though it will probably be at its best until around next week. Kyoto’s autumn season is just getting started, so I’m hoping to visit more places soon. Until next time!