Yamanashi, Minobu-san Kuon-ji Temple 2014 Miraculous autumn leaves

At the end of November 2014, I went to see the autumn leaves of the Minobu-san Kuon-ji tenmple in Yamanashi Prefecture . In around the middle of November to the beginning of December is the best time to see, and this year there was a beautiful autumn leaves like a miracle.

This day’s walking route

It is a walking route of this day.

Pass by the car through Sanmon (the main entrance of the worshipers) and climb further, parked in a parking lot near elevator for the worshipers. From there I walked in the order of Nichiren Saint Tomb – Sanmon – Hondo(main temple) – ropeway – Okunoin(hidden temple).

The autumnal leaves of this day were wonderful not the area of ​​Kuonji main temple, but mainly around the Nichiren saints shrine.

Yellow carpet

First of all, we found a yellow carpet beneath a giant gingko beside the gutway that is a little off the parking lot.

It is a fallen leaves of a bright ginkgo that covers a narrow street. There are no photos, but the giant tree of ginkgo are also spectacular.

Co-star with moss and autumn leaves

This is also a building beside the roadway. The autumn leaves were colored like burning.

I found a moss carpet under the autumn leaves.

Green, red, yellow. It is vivid like a kaleidoscope.

I want to close-up unintentionally.

It was raining just so it was able to enjoy moist and dark shades.

Timing of miracles

Next, I will walk toward the Nichiren Saints Shrine.

It is a very vivid gradation from orange to red.

Beyond the Office temple,,,

There is the Nichiren Saints Shrine ahead of the Minobu River.

A stone bridge “Leizan Bridge” with a mild and strict atmosphere, and autumn leaves like Nishiki-e in the back. It is exactly the entrance to another world.

As I climb the old stone steps,,,

It looks as though it is in a picture. It is a space like an art museum.

The back of this Hall of worshipers is the temple.

A mausoleum is a grave. The founder of Mt. Minobu buddhism sect Nichiren saint’ wills, the tomb is built here in Mt. Minobu, and keeps the soul. It is a sanctuary.

This is a small street near the shrine. It is a deep deep red fallen leaves like fresh blood. It is a sight seen because it is the next day of rain.

On returning from the temple, there was a miracle scenery in the stone wall next to the Houkaido which is the hall which imitated the hermitage that the Nichiren Saint lived.

Contrast of deep green of mossy stone wall and bright autumn leaves. It is an artistic sight like a scene in a movie.

Beautiful red fallen leaves. Imagine it was someone’s art work.

This is leaves on the way back from the shrine to the parking lot.

This year,  leaves were really beautifully colored.

Wander around Kuonji main temple

This is the main hall of Kuonji. There are few trees that turn red in this neighborhood, but I could see the autumn leaves of the valley with a Nichiren’s shrine from the top.

Long steps like a wall ,,,

To the summit / Okunoin

After that, we took a ropeway and took a stroll through the summit of Mt.Minobu.

From the observation deck you can see the Fuji-kawa River and the Minobu town area.

It could see Mt.Fuji on the east side.

Okunoin(hidden temple) Shishin-kaku. It is a name that represents Mt.Minobu which Nichiren saint got to climb up with the wind and rain, and remembered the parents of Boshu Kominato far region.

Like the Nichiren Saint, walking up to the summit without using a ropeway may be a good way to experience traditional worshipper.

The temple is surrounded by the four large cedar trees.

身延山久遠寺 / Minobu-san, Kuon-ji

This is a trail behind the hidden temple.

It is a wonderful walking path with moss.

I was comfortable touch as well.

The autumn leaves on the summit had ended, but I enjoyed a pleasant walk. Eat dumplings at the ropeway station and finish walking around Mt.Minobu.

The best time to see is from late November to early December

The best time to see the autumn leaves of Minobu-san Kuon-ji is from late November to early December. Among them, I was able to see the best condition this time. If you try aiming at the next day of rain it may be good to enjoy the fallen leaves dancing the road beautifully.

Access and Accommodation to Minobu

In the Minobu-san Kuonji WEB site, You can find  How to access to Minobusan. It can be reached by car or JR train, but the car is convenient if you think about sightseeing around Minobu area.

Why do not you try traditional Shuku-bou accomodation? It is temple staying and experience like a monk life. > Check the TripAdvisor