Takahata Momiji Lantern Path
November 23 is apparently The Day Autumn Leaves Can Start Being Lit Up At Night, because that’s when many Japanese temples, towns and gardens give their changing leaves a glow-up, so that even people who have to slave away in an office all day can enjoy them after work.
But some are more glorious than others, like the pagoda at Takahata Fudō-san! It’s absolutely stunning at any time of day and in every season…
but autumn is an especially nice time to come before dark to enjoy the changing leaves…
at the many picturesque shrines…
dotted around the extensive grounds.
But as the twilight turns to dusk…
and the lanterns are lit…
casting reflections in the pool below…
it’s hard to imagine a more gorgeous or iconic Japanese view than this.
The priests gather…
to light the torches…
and prepare the pagoda for their autumnal devotions.
Meanwhile, the town is celebrating too, with rivers of lanterns leading the way down Main Street…
and through the back alleys.
Some are illuminated with brightly painted lanterns…
decorated by children, and pointing the way…
to photo spots that will make your friends sigh with envy.
The lanterns wend their way back to the temple gate…
so you can bid the torch-lit pagoda a fond farewell until next year.
Takahata Momiji Lantern Path at Takahata Fudō-san temple
Dates: November 22-23 (it’s always on Nov 22-23, regardless of whether those fall on a weekend or weekday)
Admission: Free
More information on the event website
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly Japanagram newsletter, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
