Autumn Foliage at Seiunji Temple

Seiunji Temple is a Zen monastery situated at an elevation of 1,050 meters in a deep, secluded mountain valley. It was founded in 1348 by Gyokai Honjo, who trained under Master Chufuku Myohon at Tianmu Mountain in Hangzhou, China, before returning to Japan. Finding this site reminiscent of Tianmu Mountain, he established the temple as his lifelong training ground, meditating day and night in the stone garden, caves, and shaded groves facing Mount Fuji. The temple houses many treasures, including a seated wooden statue of Master Fuo (a nationally designated Important Cultural Property) and a statue of Gyokai Honjo (a Yamanashi Prefecture designated cultural property). The magnificent garden, crafted from natural stones, is also recognized as a scenic spot by Yamanashi Prefecture. In autumn, the maple and zelcova trees turn vibrant colors, offering spectacular views of the fall foliage.