2026 Autumn Leaves at Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple: A Full-Day Course

Spend a day savoring some of the finest autumn foliage in Kanagawa Prefecture at Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple (大雄山最乗寺), a historic Soto Zen temple founded over 600 years ago. The best viewing season typically runs from mid-November to early December. Maple trees color the area beneath the Ruri Gate (瑠璃門), in front of the main hall, and around the bell tower (鐘楼堂), while the stone-paved approach from the Kaizando Hall (開山堂) to the Kekkaimon Gate (結界門) becomes a tunnel of autumn colors. Admission is free, and true to the temple's legend of tengu (long-nosed goblins), the grounds are lined with geta sandals of all sizes, making for a walk full of discoveries even with children. Enjoy the town atmosphere on the way from the nearest station, Daiyuzan Station (大雄山駅), to the Niomon Gate (仁王門), and from there a roughly 3km cedar-lined approach continues. During the autumn foliage season, evening illumination has been held in past years (the 2026 schedule has not yet been officially announced, so please check the official website before visiting). This is a course for slowly immersing yourself in history and autumn color over the course of a fall day.