11月17日、今日はお昼前からバスに乗って高尾へ紅葉を見に行ってきました。京都で最初に見頃を迎える紅葉スポットといえば、やはり神護寺。毎年多くの人が訪れる名所です。

神護寺の周辺には西明寺や高山寺といった紅葉の名所もあり、秋の高尾はどこも賑やか。ちなみに、神護寺のある「高尾（たかお）」、西明寺の「槙尾（まきのお）」、高山寺の「栂尾（とがのお）」をまとめて三尾（さんび）と呼びます。

今回は京都市バス8系統に乗車。高尾・槙尾・栂尾を巡るルートなので、紅葉散策にも便利です。約1時間ほど揺られて高尾で下車すると、目の前には迫り来るような山。ここから神護寺へと向かって石段を下りたり、上がったりしていきます。

参道の途中からすでに赤やオレンジに色づいたモミジが迎えてくれ、歩いているだけで楽しい気分になります。神護寺の境内は決して広くはありませんが、楼門や金堂前など、雑誌でよく見る紅葉の名所がギュッと詰まっています。

石段を登りきった先に現れる楼門は、まさに神護寺を象徴する景色。今日も見事に色づいていて、思わず写真を撮らずにはいられませんでした。受付で拝観料1000円を支払い、中へ進むと、宝蔵や和気公霊廟の周辺も鮮やかな紅葉がいっぱい。そして、1番のお目当てだった金堂前の景色、こちらも文句なしの見頃でした。休日だと人が多くて撮影も大変なのですが、今日は平日ということもあってか比較的ゆっくり紅葉を楽しめました。

神護寺は毎年訪れていますが、今年は特に色づきが良いように思います。もちろんタイミングもありますが。帰りには参道途中にある「硯石亭」で「もみじ蕎麦」をいただき、紅葉を眺めながらの贅沢な時間をゆっくり堪能しました。神護寺の紅葉は今週いっぱいくらいが見頃でしょうか。おそらく西明寺や高山寺も同じくらいだと思います。是非参考にしてみてください。ではでは。


Autumn 2025: Enjoying the Peak Colors at Jingoji in Takao

On November 17th, I took a bus to Takao around midday to enjoy the autumn leaves. When it comes to early-season foliage in Kyoto, Jingoji is always one of the first spots to reach its peak—and one of the most popular, drawing countless visitors every year.

The Takao area is also home to other famous foliage spots such as Saimyoji and Kozanji, making the whole area wonderfully lively in autumn. By the way, the three temples—Takao (where Jingoji is located), Makinoo (home to Saimyoji), and Toganoo (home to Kozanji)—are collectively known as the Sanbi, the “Three Tails.”

This time, I rode Kyoto City Bus No. 8, which conveniently loops through Takao, Makinoo, and Toganoo—perfect for an autumn foliage outing. After about an hour on the bus, I got off at Takao, where steep mountains rise dramatically in front of you. From here, the path to Jingoji leads down and up a series of stone steps.

Even along the approach, maple leaves already glowing in shades of red and orange welcomed me, making the walk itself enjoyable. The grounds of Jingoji aren’t particularly large, but iconic spots like the main gate and the area in front of the Kondo Hall—often seen in guidebooks—are compactly gathered together.

The temple gate that appears after climbing the long stone steps is the quintessential Jingoji view. The colors were magnificent today as well, and I couldn’t resist taking a photo. After paying the 1,000-yen admission fee, I continued inside, where the Treasure House and the area around the Wake-no-Kiyomaro Mausoleum were also surrounded by vivid foliage. And the highlight—the famous view in front of the Kondo Hall—was at its absolute best. It’s usually very crowded on weekends, making photography difficult, but since today was a weekday, I was able to take in the scenery at a relaxed pace.

I visit Jingoji every year, but the colors seemed especially vibrant this season—though timing always plays a role. On my way back, I stopped by Suzuri-ishitei, a teahouse along the approach, and treated myself to their “Momiji Soba,” enjoying a peaceful moment while admiring the autumn leaves. The foliage at Jingoji will likely remain at its peak for about another week, and Saimyoji and Kozanji should be on a similar schedule.

Hope this helps if you’re planning a visit. Until next time!