Shindaibutsuji Temple is a “hidden autumn foliage spot”! We enjoyed the autumn leaves that colored the temple grounds beautifully! [Interview date: November 12, 2018]

When you think of going out in autumn, you think of autumn leaves!
There are many autumn foliage spots in Mie Prefecture, but this time we went to Shindaibutsuji Temple in IgaCity, a little-known spot for autumn foliage!

[Interview date: November 12, 2018]

It takes about 45 minutes to drive towards Iga from the downtown area of TsuCity using National Route 163.

There's a big signboard that says "Todaiji Iga Bessho Shindaibutsuji Temple"! ! As soon as I turned right, I saw Shindaibutsu-ji, a temple with an elegant gate.

One theory is that it is a historic temple that is said to have been the model for the restoration of the Great Buddha Hall at Todaiji Temple.

As soon as I entered the temple grounds, I was immediately struck by the impressive scenery!

The big maple trees are turning beautiful colors.

What surprised me was the size of the precincts! Consisting of 11 halls, the temple is said to house a large number of important cultural properties, including a giant Buddha statue that is unparalleled in size for a wooden structure.

Proceed along the path that leads to the back of the temple grounds. If you change your perspective, you can enjoy a different view of the scenery.

As you walk around and look around, you'll see wonderful scenery everywhere!
I'm also drawn to these narrow roads and the beautiful autumn leaves.

This is the "Great Buddha Hall", which is a cultural property designated by the city.
The building is built in the style of the Great Buddha, with a width of 6.5 meters and a depth of 8.5 meters, giving it a majestic feel!

When you look back at the path you've walked from the Great Buddha Hall, you'll see another beautiful scenery! !

The red building "Shorodo" on the left accents the scenery and is quite worth seeing.

The ``Hozoko'' and ``New Great Buddha Hall'' are located at the very back of the site.
I heard that the ``Wooden Great Buddha'' is enshrined here, so I would like to go inside!

The main object of worship, the ``Wooden Carved Statue of Tathagata'' (made by Kaikei), is over 4 meters tall and is more impressive than you can imagine!

This Great Buddha statue alone is worth seeing.
Locally, it is affectionately known as the "Great Buddha of Awa."

Another important cultural property, the Shunjobo Chogen Shonin Seated Statue, is enshrined in this New Great Buddha Hall.

Shunjobo Chogen Shonin was a monk who was active from the end of the Heian period to the Kamakura period, and as Todaiji Daikanjinshoku (the chief executive in charge of temple construction), he was the person who restored Nara's Todaiji Temple, which had been destroyed by fire during the Genpei War. .

After enjoying the ``biggest attraction'' of this temple, take a leisurely stroll around the area to take ``Instagram-worthy photos.''

Walk along the gentle slope of the promenade to reach higher ground.
I was able to find a landscape where the beautifully colored trees and the temple blend together beautifully!

Climb a little up the mountain opposite the Great Buddha Hall to get to a place where you can enjoy the maple trees up close.

The balance of red, yellow, and green colors was beautiful, and it was a scenery that made you want to stare at it for a while.

Nobomasa Matsumoto, the deputy chief priest, showed us around the temple.
Thanks to the careful guidance, I was able to learn about the history of the temple!

According to Matsumoto, the best time to see autumn leaves is from mid-November to late November, and this season is crowded with photography enthusiasts.
As of November 12th (Monday), when I visited for this interview, there were some trees that were just starting to change color, so it looks like we will be able to enjoy the autumn leaves until around November 25th (Sunday).

It is said that you can enjoy seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas during the rainy season, and autumn leaves as well as shumeigiku in autumn.
No wonder so many customers come from outside the prefecture. It was a place that I would like to visit again in different seasons!

[Shindaibutsuji Temple]
Address: 1238 Tominaga, IgaCity
Phone number 0595-48-0211
Official URL http://www.shindaibutsu.or.jp
Fee [Entrance fee to the treasure trove that houses the Great Buddha etc. (guide included)] 300 yen per person
Access: Approximately 40 minutes from Tsu IC on the Ise Expressway, approximately 35 minutes by car from Shindo Station on the JR Kansai Main Line
Parking available

*The information posted is as of November 12, 2018.
*We recommend checking the autumn foliage status before heading out.

Click here for a special feature on Mie Prefecture's autumn leaves spots!