What color comes to mind when you hear “Maple leaves”?
In Japan, there is a custom that viewing green maple leaves this season after cherry blossoms are gone. May is called “A fresh green season” in Japan, and we enjoy this pleasant season.
The picture above is “Odoi’s Green Maple” in Kitano Tenmangu Shrine located in the northwest section of Kyoto.
The “Odoi” is an earthwork built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to divide the inside and outside of the capital, as well as for flood control. It is a nationally designated historic site.
This is open to the public for a limited time from April to June.
Furthermore, many shrines or temples open their gardens and beautiful spots where we can enjoy the green maples. For example, Nison-in Temple, Koetsuji Temple, Toji-Temple, Kyoto Ohara Sanzenin, and more!
Toji-temple
We have a woodblock print of "Kyo-ou gokoku temple ( Touji-temple in kyoto )" by Tokuriki Tomikichiro Published by UCHIDA ART.
Kyoto Ohara Sanzenin
We have a woodblock print of " Woodblock print "Sanzen Temple in Ohhara Kyoto" by Takeji Asano / UNSODO
Your favorite place, the bamboo forest in Arashiyama is also getting a nice season.
Super popular place, the bamboo forest in Arashiyama, is one of the best spots to visit.
In May, bamboo leaves are swaying pleasantly in the breeze.
Let’s explore the Sagano area!!
If you visit the Bamboo forest in the Arashiyama area, please enjoy around the Sagano area.
The Sagano area is located in the west of Kyoto City and Arashiyama is at its westernmost point.
The west section of Kyoto is a cooler place than the central city. Many temples have a beautiful garden of green, moss, and rock which are not in a guidebook.
Nison-in
Saga Shaka do
Hokyo-in
What else is a beautiful thing in this season in your country?
The changing of the seasons is beautiful. Japan has had a culture of enjoying the four seasons since ancient times.
The beauty of nature always brings serenity.