Autumn leaves at Tōfuku-ji

Autumn leaf viewing season has arrived. In Japan, kouyou, or autumn leaf viewing is as big as the cherry blossom season, and both draw incredible crowds. I heard that one of the best local sights for kouyou is at Tōfuku-ji, and it seems that half of Japan had the same idea. There must have been several thousand people there at the same time we were. The trains to get there were absolutely packed, and the approach to the temple was dotted with traffic conductors making sure that the streams of foot traffic proceeded in an orderly fashion.

Next weekend, we will go on a hike to view the autumn colours, where it should be quieter, but it was definitely worth braving the crowds for the sights today at Tōfuku-ji. Despite the huge numbers of people, Tim and I were still able to enjoy a little peace wandering through the park enjoying the autumn colours. Below is a selection of today's best photos.

 

 

My new desktop background

 
A few other non-leafy sights...