Isome-shi Garden

The head of some 3,800 Hiyoshi and Hie shrines across Japan, at the foot of Mount Hiei in Otsu, famous for autumn maples.

A sacred mountain on the Kyoto–Shiga border centred on Enryakuji’s forested temple precincts. Cableways, drives and walking routes connect broad Lake Biwa viewpoints with historic halls that become framed by maple colour in autumn.

Surrounded by tranquil cedar woods in Otsu, Omi Jingu is dedicated to the 7th-century Emperor Tenji, who established Japan's first water clock (Rokoku). World-famous among anime fans as the spiritual holy ground of the Competitive Karuta manga 'Chihayafuru', it hosts the national Meijin and Queen championships.

Renowned throughout Japan for its breathtaking mirror-like reflection, the second floor of Ruriko-in Temple features an immaculately polished black lacquer desk that casts a crystal-clear reflection of the vibrant red, amber, and golden maple foliage of the Ruri-no-Niwa Moss Garden outside. Open only for limited special viewings in spring and autumn.

A 432-metre cone-shaped hill in Yasu city, called 'Omi Fuji' and linked to the legend of the giant centipede.

A large temple complex at the foot of Mount Hiei in Otsu, known for its bell featured in the Eight Views of Omi and its cherry blossoms.

A serene Tendai Buddhist monzeki temple in northeastern Kyoto famous for refined dry landscape gardens and autumn maples.

November · Kurama mountain autumn. Event dates, admission and lighting hours change by year; check the official source before travelling.