Takao
The 3 Temples Village in Kyoto Mountains
Takao is a mountain village located about 15 kilometers to the north-west of Kyoto in Japan. Renowned as a major fall foliage spot, the walk along the forest valley allows to discover 3 authentic Buddhist temples.
Located a good 45 minutes bus ride from Kyoto, Takao feels far away in the countryside and from the touristic capital. This very small village at the foot of the mountains in the north of Kyoto is home to 3 beautiful Buddhist temples:
- Jingo-ji located on Mount Takao;
- Saimyo-ji located on Mount Makinoo; and,
- Kozan-ji located on Mount Toganoo.
Jingo-ji
Jingo-ji is certainly the most popular of the 3 temples. Its impressively long and mysterious stairway might discourage some visitors, but the view at the top is well worth the climb. The place is adorned by a large gate with multiple pavilions protecting National Treasures, while offering an observation deck on the valley below. The temple is affiliated to the Shingon Buddhism and is dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of medicine.
Saimyo-ji
Located mid-way between Jingo-ji and Kozan-ji temples, Saimyo-ji is not as big or impressive than its 2 counterparts but remains an interesting visit nonetheless. The vermilion Shigetsukyo bridge that connects to the sacred enclosure offers a very beautiful view on the Kiyotaki-gawa river flowing underneath. In addition to the maple tree 🍁 foliage season in fall, we recommend visiting Saimyo-ji in spring 🌸 to enjoy the view on the mountain covered in blooming azaleas.
Kozan-ji
Kozan-ji is one of the many temples of Kyoto registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and surrounded by a forest of cedars, pine trees and Japanese maple trees. It was constructed around 774 and visitors can cast an eye over the first manga in the history of Japan. Named Choju-jinbutsu-giga, it is a scroll illustrated of various scenes in a slice of life satire of the Heian period, with animals posing as humans. Kozan-ji also boasts being the site for the first tea plantation of Japan, that was recently restored for information purpose.
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The village can naturally be visited all year round, but as many places in Kyoto, the most popular season is the end of autumn, when the Japanese maple trees’ foliage turn to red, and it becomes a must-see for amateurs of this season. Traditional restaurants and a few local shops can also be found by the river. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as there are a lot of stairways; there are also no slope or specific access for persons with reduced mobility.
A few minutes’ bus ride, leads to the heights of Takao from western Kyoto’s most renowned temples, such as Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji. However, be careful not to confuse this Takao with the mountain of the same name located near Tokyo.
