Shiga's autumn foliage reveals different scenery in the mountains, at temples, and along the lakeshore
Autumn foliage spots are spread throughout Shiga, from historic temples at the foot of the Suzuka Mountains and valleys along the Echi River to the heights of Mount Hiei, a tree-lined road extending along the west side of Lake Biwa, and historic gardens in Ōtsu and Hikone.
Even within November, the way the leaves change color varies by elevation, area, and tree species, so a plan that lets you adjust your destination shortly before your trip is ideal.
Here, we introduce 10 places, with a focus on the Kotō Sanzan temples, Eigen-ji Temple, and Metasequoia Avenue.
Peak foliage periods are based on typical years and may shift with temperature, rain, and wind.
Visiting hours, traffic restrictions, temporary buses, and parking arrangements may change, so check them before your visit.
Prepare both early and late options centered on November
At temples on Mount Hiei and at the foot of the Suzuka Mountains, as well as in the mountains of eastern Shiga, the leaves change color at a different pace from those on the plains.
Meanwhile, Metasequoia Avenue in Makino is often a good option from late autumn into early winter, extending the range of dates available for an autumn foliage trip within the prefecture within the prefecture.
If your travel date is fixed, it is reassuring to choose at least 2 options with different characteristics from among temples, gardens, and tree-lined roads.
Compare the peak periods and scenery of 10 recommended places
At temples, consideration for the architecture and gardens is required, while on a tree-lined road, safety on the local thoroughfare comes first.
Use the following table to compare typical peak periods and the main scenery.
| Spot | Typical peak period | Main scenery |
|---|---|---|
| Saimyō-ji Temple | Around November | National Treasure architecture, garden, and maples |
| Kongōrin-ji Temple | Around November | Stone steps, main hall, and deep autumn colors |
| Hyakusai-ji Temple | Around November | Stone walls, mountain temple, and garden |
| Eigen-ji Temple | Around November | Echi River valley and historic temple |
| Metasequoia Avenue | Late November to early December | Straight road and rows of orange trees |
| Genkyū-en Garden | Around November | Pond garden and Hikone Castle |
| Ishiyama-dera Temple | Around November | Wollastonite, National Treasure architecture, and maples |
| Mii-dera Temple | Around November | Temple halls and autumn colors on Mount Nagara |
| Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine | Around November | Shrine buildings, stone bridges, and forest foliage |
| Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei | Late October to around November | Mountaintop temple grounds and forest |
Tour historic temples and maples at Kotō Sanzan
Kotō Sanzan is the collective name for Saimyō-ji, Kongōrin-ji, and Hyakusai-ji, three temples at the foot of the Suzuka Mountains.
The 3 temples are in separate municipalities, and each has different elevation changes and highlights within its grounds.
Although they are grouped under a single name, they are not within walking distance of one another like attractions in one park.
Kotō Sanzan consists of 3 Tendai Buddhist temples selected among Japan's 100 best autumn foliage destinations.
1. Saimyō-ji Temple｜Walk among National Treasure architecture and a nationally designated scenic garden
Saimyō-ji in Kōra Town combines historic structures, including its main hall and three-story pagoda, with a garden arranged with ponds and stones, all enveloped in autumn foliage.
The view changes as you proceed from the temple gate into the grounds, allowing you to see the green moss, red maples, and subdued tones of the buildings together.
There are stone steps and slopes within the grounds.
Do not walk while looking at your camera, and choose carefully where to stop in areas where worshippers pass.
Follow on-site signs inside cultural properties and in areas with photography restrictions.
2. Kongōrin-ji Temple｜A main hall stands beyond a long stone stairway
Kongōrin-ji in Aishō Town is impressive for the stone steps leading from the temple gate to the main hall and the deep colors of the surrounding trees.
Viewing the main hall, three-story pagoda, and garden in order conveys the depth characteristic of a mountain temple.
Although it is close to the Kotō Sanzan Smart Interchange, nearby roads and the entrance may become congested during the autumn foliage season.
Allow enough stamina and time for a round trip on the stone steps, and wear shoes with good traction.
On days when the ground is wet or covered with fallen leaves, narrow your list of places to see and visit only within a comfortable range.
3. Hyakusai-ji Temple｜See stone walls and scenery reminiscent of a mountain castle
Hyakusai-ji in Higashiōmi City is characterized by massive stone walls and grounds that make use of the mountain slope.
From the approach and garden, you can enjoy broad autumn scenery that includes not only maples but also the surrounding mountains.
It has a powerful landscape reminiscent of a mountain castle, distinct from Saimyō-ji and Kongōrin-ji.
If you visit all 3 temples in a single day, factor in not only the time spent at each temple but also parking access and road congestion.
Public transportation services and seasonal transport options change from year to year, so check them before visiting.
Experience the Echi River valley and a historic temple at Eigen-ji
Eigen-ji is the head temple of the Eigen-ji branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism and stands along the Echi River in Higashiōmi City.
The river, mountain slopes, and maples within the temple grounds overlap to create a valley atmosphere different from Kotō Sanzan.
Roads toward Oku-Eigenji also pass through the mountains, so allow plenty of travel time.
4. Eigen-ji Temple｜Find valley foliage beyond the stone steps
As you follow the approach, the sound of the river accompanies you toward the temple gates and halls.
Red and yellow leaves accentuate the lines of the stone steps, walls, and roofs, creating a tranquil view even on an overcast day.
Stay within the areas and route open to visitors, and walk quietly out of respect for this place of religious practice.
Along the river, the temperature may feel cooler as the sun begins to set.
Bring a layer that is easy to put on and remove and comfortable walking shoes, and watch for slippery stone steps and bridges after rain.
Do not pack Kotō Sanzan into the same day too tightly
Eigen-ji and Kotō Sanzan are both in eastern Shiga, but walking through each temple's grounds takes time.
Instead of rushing through 4 temples in 1 day, set a clear focus—such as 2 of the Kotō Sanzan temples plus Eigen-ji, or only the 3 Kotō Sanzan temples—so you can enjoy both worship and foliage at a relaxed pace.
If you want to avoid driving on mountain roads after sunset, consider visiting the farthest place first and returning toward the city while it is still light.
Check fuel, dining, and rest stops before departure as well.
Visit a tree-lined road in western Shiga and a daimyo garden in Hikone
Makino in the northwestern part of the prefecture and Hikone on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa are far apart.
Rather than connecting them on the same day, separating a day heading north through western Shiga from a day touring eastern Shiga will reduce travel time.
Both offer relatively level scenery, but viewing etiquette differs between a tree-lined road and a garden.
5. Metasequoia Avenue｜Autumn colors stretching for about 2.4 kilometers
In Makino, Takashima City, about 500 metasequoia trees extend for roughly 2.4 kilometers along a prefectural road that passes Makino Pic-land agricultural park.
The conical trees form straight rows, and as their leaves turn from green to orange, they create a grand landscape in harmony with the distant mountains.
This is a local road, not a road reserved for photography.
Do not enter the roadway, stop or park on the road, or cross suddenly; walk from a designated parking area to view the trees.
Weekends during the foliage season are prone to traffic jams, so consider public transportation or a less crowded weekday.
Makino Pic-land, the starting point of the avenue, has free parking.
6. Genkyū-en Garden｜Hikone Castle and autumn trees reflected in the pond
Genkyū-en is a former daimyo garden northeast of Hikone Castle.
As you walk around its pond, islands, bridges, and artificial hills, you can view Hikone Castle's keep and trees in the background.
Unlike autumn foliage at mountain temples, its appeal lies in taking time to appreciate reflections on the water and the garden's composition.
Combining it with Hikone Castle makes for a longer walk.
Allow rest time, taking into account the slopes and stone steps around the castle keep.
Seasonal events and evening openings are not necessarily held every year, so check them separately from regular opening information.
Decide your route around the lake in advance
Travel between Makino and Hikone requires a route around Lake Biwa.
Plan according to the actual travel time on the roads or railways you will use, not the straight-line distance on a map.
Check Kosei Line service information, road congestion, and mountain weather, and avoid an overly ambitious cross-lake itinerary.
Enjoy autumn foliage at temples, shrines, and Mount Hiei in Ōtsu
Ōtsu City is home to Ishiyama-dera near the Seta River, Mii-dera near the city center, Hiyoshi Taisha in Sakamoto, and Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei.
Even within the same city, they are separated north to south and by elevation, so dividing them into the Ishiyama and Mii-dera area and the Sakamoto and Mount Hiei area is easier than trying to connect them all in a short time.
7. Ishiyama-dera Temple｜Wollastonite and maples create a layered landscape
At Ishiyama-dera, you can see together the wollastonite that gave the temple its name, architecture including the main hall and two-story pagoda, and maples coloring the slopes.
The grounds have elevation changes, and the layering of rocks, roofs, and trees varies as you move through them.
Combining your visit with a walk along the Seta River is another option.
8. Mii-dera Temple｜Tour numerous halls amid autumn colors
Mii-dera has extensive grounds on the middle slope of Mount Nagara, with many halls including the Kondo and Kannon-do scattered throughout.
You can walk while viewing the buildings through the maples, but because the highlights are some distance from the entrance, it is reassuring to set priorities using a map of the grounds.
9. Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine｜See foliage enveloping the shrine buildings and forest
Hiyoshi Taisha is a shrine spread across Sakamoto at the foot of Mount Hiei.
It has many shrine buildings, including the East and West Main Shrines, surrounded by forest along with stone bridges and approaches.
Sakamoto's temple town also retains distinctive stonework scenery, so if time permits, explore the surrounding area on foot.
10. Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei｜Plan your route through the extensive mountaintop precincts
Enryaku-ji has vast temple grounds on Mount Hiei, with halls scattered across the Tōdō, Saitō, and Yokawa areas.
It is not a place where you see just one building, so decide in advance how you will travel and which areas you want to visit.
The mountaintop is often colder than central Ōtsu, making warm clothing and preparation for weather changes essential.
Plan a safe, manageable autumn foliage trip in Shiga
Shiga's autumn foliage destinations include varied environments such as stone steps at temples and shrines, mountain roads, local thoroughfares, and spacious castle gardens.
Consider not only the progress of the autumn colors but also travel to your destination, walking distance, and the journey home after sunset.
Build your itinerary around 1 area per day
A plan that crosses Kotō Sanzan, Eigen-ji, western Shiga, and Ōtsu in 1 day is likely to be dominated by travel.
Divide your trip into days—such as a Kotō Sanzan day, an Eigen-ji and Higashiomi day, a Makino day, and an Ōtsu day—and choose an area close to your accommodation to secure more time at your destination.
Check admission conditions and worship etiquette at temples and shrines
Visiting hours, fees, special openings, and permitted photography areas may change.
Do not rely only on old travel articles; check guidance from each temple or shrine.
Do not block paths with tripods or large luggage, and prioritize behavior that does not interfere with prayers or ceremonies.
Recheck foliage, transportation, and weather on the day
Review recent photos, public transportation service information, road restrictions, and parking guidance before departure.
If there is rain, strong wind, or dense fog, have the option to avoid the mountaintop or long stone stairways and switch to a garden or temple closer to the city.
Days are short during autumn foliage season, and you may have to return along dark roads after evening photography.
Bring a portable charger, saved maps, drinks, shoes with good traction, and a light warm layer, and check the last service home and parking hours in advance.
Summary｜Tour 10 autumn foliage spots in Shiga by area
In Shiga, you can enjoy distinct autumn scenery: the historic temples of Kotō Sanzan and Eigen-ji, Makino's Metasequoia Avenue, the pond garden of Genkyū-en, and the historic landscapes of Ishiyama-dera, Mii-dera, Hiyoshi Taisha, and Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei.
Choose one area per day according to your travel date, means of transportation, and comfortable walking distance.
Typical peak periods are only guidelines, and the most accessible place will vary with that year's colors and travel conditions.
Check current conditions, observe proper manners on local roads and at religious sites, and plan an unhurried autumn foliage trip.
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