11月22日、今日は午後から北区の小野郷という地域へ行ってきました。小野郷は、栂尾にある高山寺をさらに北へ進んだ先にある場所で、高山寺からはバスで約15分ほどです。今回そこへ向かった理由は、小野郷に「岩戸落葉神社（いわとおちばじんじゃ）」があるからです。

岩戸落葉神社は、その名のとおり紅葉の季節になると、境内が落ち葉でびっしりと覆われる幻想的な風景が見られる神社なんですね。もともとは地元の方だけが知る穴場だったようですが、最近はSNSで一気に知られるようになり、訪れる人が増えてきています。私も実は、つい最近その存在を知りました。

昼食を済ませたあと、京都駅から出ている周山行きのJRバスに乗って小野郷へ。このバスは途中、神護寺の「高尾」、西明寺の「槇ノ尾」、高山寺の「栂ノ尾」に停まるので、始発の京都駅の時点で満席。外国人観光客も多く、半分くらいは海外の方だったと思います。

紅葉の名所を通るたびに、乗客がどんどん降りていき、栂ノ尾を過ぎる頃には車内はガラガラに。そしてそこからさらに15分ほど揺られて小野郷に到着。バスを降りたのは数名で、おそらく全員、目的地は同じ岩戸落葉神社でしょうね。

バス停から10秒ほど歩くと、すぐ鳥居が見えてきます。その上には、大きなイチョウの木が黄色い屋根のように覆いかぶさり、思わず「おぉー！」と言ってしまうほどの迫力。SNSで見た写真そのままの光景が目の前に広がっていて、イチョウの大きさは想像以上でした。行ってよかったと思える瞬間でしたね。

境内には私を含めて10名ほどが来ており、皆さんそれぞれに写真を撮って楽しんでいました。近くに地元の方がいらっしゃったのでお話を聞いてみると、「まさに今が一番の見頃ですよ」とのこと。イチョウがきれいに色づいて落葉が境内を覆うこの景色が、ピークだそうです。ライトアップについても伺いましたが、そちらは5年ほど前に終了したとのことでした。

その後はまたバスに揺られ、1時間ほどかけて帰路へ。岩戸落葉神社のイチョウは、今週いっぱいくらいまでは綺麗に楽しめそうです。興味のある方はぜひ訪れてみてくださいね。ただし、周辺にはお店や休憩所がないので、飲み物などはあらかじめ用意して行くのがおすすめです。ではでは。


Peak Autumn Colors at Iwato Ochiba Shrine in Onogo — The Golden Ginkgo Leaves Were Breathtaking

On November 22nd, I headed to the Onogo area in Kyoto’s Kita Ward in the afternoon. Onogo lies further north beyond Kozan-ji Temple in Toganō, about a 15-minute bus ride past the temple. The reason for my visit was Iwato Ochiba Shrine, a small shrine known for its stunning autumn scenery.

As its name suggests, Iwato Ochiba Shrine becomes completely blanketed with fallen leaves during the autumn season, creating a truly magical atmosphere. It used to be a hidden gem known mostly to locals, but in recent years it has gained sudden popularity on social media. I actually learned about it only a short while ago myself.

After lunch, I boarded the JR bus bound for Shuzan, which departs from Kyoto Station, and rode it all the way to Onogo. This bus stops at Takao (for Jingo-ji), Makinoo (for Saimyō-ji), and Toganoo (for Kozan-ji), so by the time it left Kyoto Station, it was already full. There were many visitors from overseas too—probably about half the passengers.

As the bus passed each famous autumn spot, people got off one after another. By the time we passed Toganoo, the bus was almost empty. Then, after another 15 minutes of winding through the mountains, we arrived in Onogo. Only a few of us got off, and judging by the timing, everyone was clearly headed to the same place—Iwato Ochiba Shrine.

From the bus stop, it takes less than 10 seconds to reach the torii gate. Above it towers a massive ginkgo tree, spreading its golden canopy like a roof overhead. It was so impressive that I couldn’t help but let out a “Wow!” The scene looked exactly like the photos I had seen on social media, and the size of the ginkgo was even more overwhelming in person. At that moment, I knew the trip had been worth it.

There were about ten visitors in total, myself included, each quietly taking photos and enjoying the scenery. I spoke briefly with a local resident nearby, who told me, “This is exactly the best time to see it.” The bright yellow leaves and the layer of fallen ginkgo covering the shrine grounds were at their absolute peak today. I also asked about the nighttime lighting, but it seems that ended about five years ago.

Afterward, I caught the bus again and took the one-hour ride back toward the city. The ginkgo at Iwato Ochiba Shrine should remain beautiful for the rest of this week. If you’re interested, I highly recommend visiting. Just keep in mind that there are no shops or rest areas nearby, so it’s best to bring drinks or anything you might need ahead of time.

That’s all for now!