2026 Aisho Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

Date of photo: November 14, 2021 Address: 874 Matsuo-dera, Aisho-cho, Aichi-gun, Shiga 529-1202 Entrance fee: 600 yen for adults Access: (For vehicles equipped with ETC) Exit the Koto Sanzan Smart Interchange and turn right at the traffic light for 1 minute. Kongorin-ji Temple is a Tendai sect temple located in Matsuo-dera, Aisho-cho, Aichi-gun, Shiga Prefecture. It is counted as one of the Koto Sanzan along with Saimyoji Temple and Baekje Temple. It is now a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves, known as "blood-stained maples." #AutumnFoliage #KotoSanzan #KongoRin-ji Temple #ShigaPrefecture #AmazingView #CoupleTrip

Don’t want to fight the crowds to see the leaves? 🤫 This hidden gem temple in Shiga Prefecture is amazing! 🍁 📍 Detailed guide to Kongorin-ji 🚗【Getting there】 · By car: Meishin Expressway "Yokaichi IC" → 20 minutes to reach 🚗 Free parking is super convenient · By bus: JR "Omi-Hachiman Station" → Omi Railway bus to "Kongorin-ji-mae" → 5-minute walk (Tip: driving is recommended for convenience!) ⏰【Hours】 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) Plan 1.5–2 hours to capture great photos 📸 💰【Admission】 Adults 500 yen / students 300 yen (Much cheaper than Kyoto attractions!) ✨【Highlights】 · A thousand-year-old temple founded in the Asuka period ⛩️ · One of the "Koto Sanzan" (the other two are Hyakusaiji and Seimei-ji) · National treasure-level artifacts + important cultural properties · Stunning autumn leaves and moss garden 🍂 every photo is a masterpiece 👘【Tips】 · Best visited during the autumn foliage season in October–November · Wearing a kimono for photos adds a great vibe · Lots of stairs, so wear comfortable shoes Unlike the crowded Kiyomizu-dera, strolling through this ancient temple surrounded by autumn leaves feels like stepping into a timeless dream isolated from the world ✨ definitely a top hidden spot for fall foliage!

I visited Kongorin-ji Temple 😊 Known as one of the Koto Sanzan temples, it's a historic site where you can take a leisurely stroll through its nature-filled grounds. I visited right at the start of autumn. With the fresh greenery still lingering, the leaves were just beginning to change colors, letting me truly feel the transition of the seasons ✨ I bet the peak fall foliage here is absolutely stunning! I had a wonderful, relaxing time exploring the beautiful temple grounds! There’s a deep sense of tranquility around the stone steps, the approach, and the main hall. The harmonious blend of historic architecture and nature was incredibly soothing 📸 Offering beautiful scenery in every season, it's a highly recommended spot to include in your Shiga itinerary or Koto Sanzan temple tour. 📍 Access 🚗 About a 10-minute drive from the Koto Sanzan Smart IC on the Meishin Expressway 📍 Highlights ✔ A prominent historic temple of the Koto Sanzan ✔ Unique early autumn scenery ✔ The charming atmosphere of the stone steps and approach ✔ Beautiful nature year-round ✔ Perfect for a relaxing stroll

I visited Kongorinji Temple 😊 Known as one of the historic temples of the Koto Sanzan, the temple grounds are completely enveloped in vibrant autumn leaves during the fall. The beautiful foliage spread out everywhere, and it was absolutely stunning ✨✨ There were plenty of visitors, making it a highly recommended sightseeing spot! Be sure to enjoy the striking contrast between the three-story pagoda and the autumn colors 🥳✌️ Admiring the autumn leaves while walking up the stone steps and the temple approach was breathtaking. The harmony with the historic buildings offered a unique charm quite different from Kyoto ✨ With plenty to see, including the Main Hall (a National Treasure) and the three-story pagoda, its appeal lies in being able to experience both nature and history together 📸 It’s a highly recommended destination representing Shiga Prefecture, where you can take your time and fully immerse yourself in the autumn foliage within the tranquil temple grounds. 📍Access 🚗 About a 10-minute drive from the Meishin Expressway "Koto Sanzan Smart IC" 📍Highlights ✔ A renowned temple representing the Koto Sanzan ✔ Popular destination for stunning autumn foliage ✔ National Treasure Main Hall and three-story pagoda ✔ Breathtaking views woven by stone steps and autumn leaves ✔ Perfect for a relaxing stroll

A soulful journey between a thousand years of history and breathtaking natural scenery✨ Kongorinji Temple—A stunning hidden gem by Lake Biwa, with the autumn-exclusive "Blood-Red Leaves" dazzling the entire Kansai region!🍁 This is one of the Three Mountains of Eastern Lake Biwa, a national treasure-level temple dating back to the Nara period, letting you instantly travel back to the Heian era🎎 💯 Reasons to visit in your lifetime: ✅ The national treasure-level main hall complex tells a story of 1300 years of history ✅ The "Blood-Red Leaves" spectacular scene appears only in mid to late November each year ✅ The nationally designated scenic garden is a prime example of karesansui (dry landscape) style ✅ The most secluded yet most accessible autumn foliage spot among the Three Mountains of Eastern Lake Biwa 📝 Practical tips revealed 📍 Location: 874 Matsuoji, Aisho-cho, Echi-gun, Shiga Prefecture (Just navigate directly to "Kongorinji Temple" to arrive) ⏰ Opening hours: Open year-round 08:30-16:30 (officially closes at 17:00) 🎫 Admission fees: Adults 800 yen Elementary and middle school students 400 yen 🚗 Transportation guide: Train option 🚆 Get off at JR Biwako Line "Inae" Station → About 15 minutes by taxi directly to the temple Autumn foliage season only 🍁 Temporary shuttle buses available from Hikone Station Driving option 🚙 Exit at Meishin Expressway "Koto Sanzan Smart IC" → 1 minute via ETC-only lane Mountain road is gentle and beginner-friendly 👟 Visiting route tips: You need to climb a stone stair path from the main gate to the main hall The slope is moderate but comfortable sports shoes are recommended Those with mobility issues can consult the temple for special access 💡 In-depth experiences: 1️⃣ Don’t miss the must-photograph scene of the thousand-year-old ginkgo and maple trees in front of the main hall 2️⃣ Capture magical shots in the early morning mist for a fairyland effect 3️⃣ Remember to buy the limited edition goshuin (temple stamp) and maple leaf omamori (charm) This is truly a time tunnel; when the autumn leaves dye the forest, it feels like the whole mountain is on fire🔥 Every snap is a divine composition, making you the ultimate like collector on social media!📸

A Guide to the Stunning 'Blood-Red Maple Leaves' at Kongorinji Temple. A Soulful Journey Through Millennia of History and Natural Beauty✨ Kongorinji Temple—A breathtaking hidden gem by Lake Biwa, showcasing the exclusive autumn spectacle of 'Blood-Red Maple Leaves' that captivates all of Kansai! 🍁 As one of the Three Temples of Koto in Japan, this national treasure-level temple dating back to the Nara period will transport you straight to the Heian era. 🎎 💯 Reasons You Must Visit: ✅ National treasure-level main hall complex with 1,300 years of historical depth ✅ The rare 'Blood-Red Maple Leaves' phenomenon, only visible in mid to late November each year ✅ A nationally designated scenic garden, a masterpiece of Japanese dry landscape design ✅ The most secluded yet most accessible autumn foliage spot among the Three Temples of Koto 📝 Practical Tips: 📍 Location: 874 Matsuoji, Aisho-cho, Echi-gun, Shiga Prefecture (Search 'Kongorinji Temple' for direct navigation) ⏰ Opening Hours: Open year-round 08:30-16:30 (Closes officially at 17:00) 🎫 Admission Fee: Adults: 800 yen Elementary and middle school students: 400 yen 🚗 Transportation Guide: By Train 🚆 Get off at JR Biwako Line's 'Inae' Station → Take a taxi for about 15 minutes to reach the temple Autumn Foliage Season Special 🍁 Temporary shuttle buses available from Hikone Station By Car 🚙 Exit at 'Koto Sanzan Smart IC' on the Meishin Expressway → Just 1 minute via ETC-exclusive lane The mountain road is not steep, making it beginner-friendly 👟 Visiting Route Tips: To reach the main hall, you need to climb a stone stairway from the main gate The slope is moderate, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended For those with mobility issues, consult the temple for special access 💡 In-Depth Experience: 1️⃣ Don't miss the stunning view of the thousand-year-old ginkgo tree and maple trees in front of the main hall 2️⃣ Visit during early morning mist for ethereal, dreamlike photos 3️⃣ Be sure to purchase the limited-edition temple stamps and maple leaf amulets This is truly a time-traveling experience. During the autumn foliage season, the mountain is ablaze with vibrant colors, as if the entire landscape is on fire. 🔥 Every snapshot is a masterpiece, making it the ultimate social media highlight! 📸

We took the kids to the pool and park! Even people from outside the prefecture can enter for ¥600, and the pool is well-equipped with a walking area, kids' pool, swimming pool, slide, and a jacuzzi! Kids especially love the slide! Being able to slide down and down it over and over again for free is a great perk! Please note: hats are required! Cameras and other items are not allowed! The park alone is plenty of fun, so please come and check it out! [La Porte Hasso Health Pool] 📍Address: 2978-1 Kano, Aisho-cho, Aichi-gun, Shiga Prefecture 529-1206 🚗Parking: Free 🕰️Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM 💰Price per person: ¥600 for adults #0YenTrip2025Autumn

#aprilblooms Along with Baekje-ji Temple in Higashi-Omi and Saimei-ji Temple in Kora-cho, it is one of the Three Mountains of the Lakes, which is known as one of the best places for autumn leaves in Shiga Prefecture, and is a temple of the Tendai sect that is said to have been founded by Gyoki Bosatsu in 741 during the Nara period. The main hall Daiheikaku, which was built in 1288 to commemorate the victory of the Genko War in the mid-Kamakura period, is designated as a national treasure as a representative Japanese and Western building of the Kamakura period. In addition, the three-story pagoda built in 1246 and the Nitenmon Gate, which was originally a tower gate built in the Muromachi period, are designated as important cultural properties.

The autumn leaves in Kyoto are great, but neighboring Shiga also has many wonderful spots to see autumn leaves! Among them, we would like to introduce Kongorinji Temple, one of the famous spots called the Koto Sanzan. It is one of the best spots to see autumn leaves in Shiga Prefecture, with many national treasures and important cultural properties. 💡 The entire temple grounds are colored with autumn leaves and dyed completely red. 🟥 There are so many Jizo statues in the temple grounds that they are called Sentai Jizo! ️ The temple grounds are also very large and covered with many maples, making it a very beautiful and charming place! The autumn leaves around the national treasure main hall, the three-story pagoda, and the scenic garden are dyed so deep red that they are called "blood-stained maples" 🍁 By the way, the Koto Sanzan are Saimyoji Temple, Baekje Temple, and Kongorinji Temple! Please be sure to visit it along with the other temples! 〜〜〜〜〜Information〜〜〜〜〜 📍Kongorinji Temple Address: 874 Matsuo-dera, Aisho-cho, Aichi-gun, Shiga Prefecture Access: 30 minutes by car from Maibara Station Visiting hours: 8:30-16:30 Admission fee: 800 yen 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜 #Domestic travel journal #Domestic travel

From Omihachiman Station in Shiga Prefecture To Aichigawa Station by Omi Railway🚃☺️🫶 ⁡ From Aichigawa Station I cycled around Aisho Town and visited some great spots✨ It was a very peaceful town that made me feel relaxed. The Omi Railway has a nice feel to it. ⁡ ⁡ 📸①②③④⑤ #Toyoman Shrine 📸⑥ #Nonosu Paper Shop #Nagomi Cafe 📸⑦⑧ #Omi Jofu Traditional Industry Hall ⁡ ⁡ ⁡ 🔸MANA MEMO ✔︎If you want to find love, you should really go to Toyoman Shrine⛩ ✔︎There are many places you can go by bicycle ✔︎They also rent electric bicycles🚲 #besttrip2023 #Aichigawa #Shiga

#fallishere Location: Saimyoji 西明寺 Ikedera, Kora, Inukami District, Shiga 522-0254, Japan Saimyoji, nestled in the serene surroundings of Ikedera, Kora, Shiga, Japan, is a Buddhist temple with a rich history dating back centuries. Established in 834, it has weathered the ebb and flow of time, evolving into a cultural and spiritual haven. The temple's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, harmonizing with the picturesque landscape. Renowned for its autumnal splendor, Saimyoji transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors as vibrant maple leaves blanket the temple grounds. This seasonal spectacle attracts visitors seeking both natural beauty and spiritual contemplation. The radiant hues of red, orange, and gold create a mesmerizing backdrop for meditation and appreciation of nature's fleeting brilliance. Saimyoji stands as a testament to the enduring connection between Japan's cultural heritage and the changing seasons, offering a tranquil retreat where history, spirituality, and the ephemeral beauty of autumn converge. #trip #2023travel #2023trip #2023travelwish #2023旅行願望 #timetotravel #tripblazers #historical #heritage

#fallishere Location: Kongorin-ji 金剛輪寺 874 Matsuoji, Aishō, Echi District, Shiga 529-1202, Japan Kongorin-ji, situated in Aisho, Shiga, Japan, holds a rich history dating back to its founding in 741 AD by Gyoki, a renowned Buddhist monk. Originally established as a training ground for ascetics, the temple later evolved into a Tendai sect institution. Kongorin-ji is celebrated for its serene setting, nestled amidst lush greenery and framed by the picturesque backdrop of Matsuo Mountains. The temple complex boasts several historic structures, including the main hall designated as a national treasure. The architectural brilliance, coupled with intricate Buddhist artwork, reflects the cultural and artistic significance of Kongorin-ji. Pilgrims and tourists alike visit to experience the spiritual ambiance and explore the well-preserved relics of Japanese Buddhist heritage. The temple stands not just as a religious sanctuary but also as a testament to the enduring legacy of Buddhism in Japan. #trip #2023travel #2023trip #2023travelwish #2023旅行願望 #timetotravel #tripblazers #historical #heritage

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