As autumn deepens gradually, maple leaves have begun to turn red at Komyo-ji Temple in Ao, Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, a noted temple. It is now holding a special opening for autumn leaf viewing. The temple is well known as a place to view the foliage of the Otokuni area, and has already welcomed many tourists even before the height of autumn.

Approximately 500 maple trees, including a 150-year-old maple, are planted in the temple precincts. A stroll from the main gate to near the Miedo hall via the front approach shows that eighty percent of the trees planted around the hall have already turned colors, with the crimson leaves beautifully coloring the trees. Visitors stopped to gaze up at the leaves, and take pictures.

Only 20 percent of the leaves on the trees planted along "Momiji Sando," or maple leaf approach, on the south side, have turned to autumn colors. Komyo-ji Temple staff said, "Since many leaves were blown away by the typhoon in October and there were not enough cold days in November, the foliage season this year has come a little later than usual. The peak for autumn leaves is expected to be from late November to early December."

The special opening will continue until December 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors can enter until 4:00 p.m. The entrance fee is 500 yen for high school students and above, and there is no charge for junior high school students and under. A temple treasure exhibition is also being held at the Shakado hall during this period. "Komyo-ji Jazz Live," a concert with a trumpeter, guitarist, pianist and other performers, will be held at the Miedo hall on November 25, from 2:00 p.m.