Maples & Moss
Kyorinbo Temple, founded in 605 by Prince Shōtoku, is a hidden gem in Ōmihachiman, celebrated for its exquisite autumn foliage. The temple features two historic gardens: the Muromachi-period Fudaraku Garden and a pond garden attributed to landscape master Kobori Enshū, both showcasing moss-covered stones and seasonal beauty. A thatched-roof study hall from the early Edo period, designated as a cultural asset, adds to the temple's historical charm. After a period of abandonment, the temple was revitalized in the early 2000s and now opens to the public during spring weekends and daily from November to mid-December, when the grounds are illuminated at night. Easily accessible from JR Azuchi Station by taxi or rental bicycle, Kyorinbo offers a serene retreat into Japan’s cultural and natural heritage.
