Two women photographing autumn foliage on a vibrant red bridge surrounded by colorful fall trees in Japan.

Portrait Painting by Michael Calbera

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and Park


Momiji garden from historic site Odoi inside Kitano Tenmangū. Kitano Tenmangū is popular with students praying for success in exams because the deity was in his life a man of literature and knowledge.


Family sitting together on a path in a Japanese garden with stunning autumn foliage and red bridge.

Portrait Painting by Michael Calbera

History behind it


The shrine was first built in 947 to appease the angry spirit of bureaucrat, scholar and poet Sugawara no Michizane, who had been exiled as a result of political maneuvers of his enemies in the Fujiwara clan. From 1871 through 1946, the Kitano Tenman-gū was officially designated one of the Kanpei-chūsha (官幣中社), meaning that it stood in the second rank of government supported shrines.

Family of six walking through a Japanese park path covered in red autumn leaves under colorful trees.

Portrait Painting by Michael Calbera

Nanzenji Complex Area


Nanzen-ji is not itself considered one of the "five great Zen temples of Kyoto" has very large complex with many old temples structures, autumn trees and gardens.


Family of four sitting on stone wall laughing together with colorful autumn foliage in Japanese temple.

Portrait Painting by Michael Calbera

History behind it


Nanzen-ji (南禅寺, Nanzen-ji), or Zuiryusan Nanzen-ji, formerly Zenrin-ji (禅林寺, Zenrin-ji), is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. Emperor Kameyama established it in 1291 on the site of his previous detached palace.

Peaceful Japanese park scene with vibrant yellow and green autumn trees surrounding a quiet garden path.

Portrait Painting by Michael Calbera

Maruyama park


 It is noted as the main center for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto but also beautiful during fall.


Couple walking hand in hand down a quiet Japanese street lined with traditional buildings in autumn.

Portrait Painting by Michael Calbera

History behind it


Maruyama Park was built on land formerly occupied by a number of temples, which had burnt down in a large fire — a problem endemic to the era. Designed by famous landscaper Jihei Ogawa, the park took almost three years to construct. A garden was later added to the park in 1912 by Ogawa, which incorporated the area’s existing hilly landscape and added a large central pond. Numerous tea houses were built around the pond and make for pleasant resting spots when strolling through the park.

Family of three posing before a red Japanese pagoda reflected in a pond amid brilliant autumn foliage.

Portrait Painting by Michael Calbera

Daigo-ji


Sambō-in inside Daigo-ji Complex is a collection of walled complexes, connected by streets lined with many trees. It contains the temple proper (including a noted tea garden), a museum, and other complexes, and is very lively during autumn season. Shimo-Daigo (inside picture) is one large enclosure, containing detached halls, including the oldest surviving building in Kyoto, together with open spaces.


Family of three walking hand in hand along a tree-lined path with vivid red autumn foliage in Japan.

Portrait Painting by Michael Calbera

History behind it


Daigo-ji was founded in the early Heian period.[2] In 874, Rigen-daishi (Shōbō) founded the temple.

After having fallen ill and abdicated in 930, Emperor Daigo entered Buddhist priesthood at this temple. As a monk, he took the Buddhist name Hō-kongō; and shortly thereafter, died at the age of 46. He was buried in the temple, which is why his posthumous name was Daigo.